Lagos – A non-governmental organisation, Science Ambassadors Foundation, has appealed to government at all levels to invest more in science education.
Prof. Oluwole Familoni, Patron of the foundation, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that many students were not opting for science courses because of lack of awareness.
Familoni, who is also a lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos (UNILAG), said students should develop genuine interest in science courses, with a view to choosing professions in the field.
The university don said students who develop interest in science willingly excel more than those who study it reluctantly.
“Government must invest in seminars, workshops, science laboratories, books and journals that will encourage children to embrace science at an early stage.
“Most schools do not have up-to-date facilities to teach science,’’ he said.
The professor of chemistry said that the foundation was creating awareness in primary and secondary schools so that the students would develop interest in science.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
Familoni said many students were opting for Management, Art, Accountancy and Social Science courses because of the get rich quick syndrome.
“We are going to schools to tell students why they should study science and become self-reliant.
“If science students can use their knowledge to invent things or make new discoveries, they will become wealthier than others who read accountancy and others.
“Students should attend science seminars and workshops where they will be exposed to demonstrative and magical experiments and innovations.
“Scientists make more money than other professionals; if you create or invent something, you will get the credit forever.
“Science is very lucrative, but if you are lazy, you may find it very difficult.
“A student must decide why he or she wants to read science; because of the interest, what he has learnt in school, and what he has been told.
“When children are told what to do when they are still young, then they can decide to develop interest and be able to do well in it.
“If a father forces a child to study science, the child may graduate with third class because of lack of interest but if it is the child’s choice to read the course, then such person can graduate with first class or 2.1 grades.”
Familoni said lazy students cannot cope with the rigorous nature of science courses, thus they opt for simple and less complex professions.
“A scientist needs to be involved; you can make soaps, creams, additives to colour and other home needs which are very high in demand.
“If you discover any drug as a scientist and people are buying and using it, you get royalty for it forever.
“While you are sleeping, some people are working and you get royalty on whatever they manufactured with your discoveries,’’ he said.
Familoni said that the foundation was set up to popularise science as a profession among pupils and students early, to awaken their interest. (NAN)
