Education
Vision 2020: A Futile Effort Without Science, Technology – Ajimobi
GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state has said Nigeria’s vision of becoming one of the largest economy in the world by the year 2020 would only be attainable when science and technology are fully integrated into our nation’s socio -economic development process.
The governor harped that the dream might remain a mirage if proper premium is not placed on science and technology, just as he called for a change in attitude where leaders see science and technology as a tool to reposition the economy for the nation to experience progress.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the maiden Oyo State Science and Technology Summit held on Monday at the House of Chiefs in Ibadan, the state capital, Ajimobi, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Moses Adeyemo further noted that developments in science and technology continued to alter the way people live and transact.
He emphasized on the imperativeness
of developing countries investing in quality education for youth and continuous skills training for workers and managers, stressing that the equitable expansion of Information Communication Technology (ICT) could be slowed down if the nation does not have access to reliable electricity to power those devices.
“Distinguished guests, as an engine of growth, the potential of technology is endless and still largely untapped in Africa and other developing world regions across the globe.
“Less developed countries not only lack skilled labour and capital, but also use these less efficiently. The inability to adopt and adapt technologies to raise productivity is the bane of national development in sub-Sahara Africa and other third world economies”, Ajimobi submitted.
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Olowofela addressing the assembly
Also, in their separate remarks, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela and Special Adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Information and Communication Technology, Mogaji Niyi Ajao, highlighted the need for the country to be more self – reliant and develop innovative ways to diversify its economy and grow sustainably.
Stakeholders at the Summit also decried that countries in sub-Saharan Africa had high youth
unemployment, remained undeveloped decried high youth and continued to seek aid from developed countries because of their failure to have science and technologically driven economies.
At the summit, themed, “Repositioning the Economy Through Science and Technology: A Collective Responsibility”, the stakeholders in their various submissions lamented that the sub-Saharan Africa’s potential in technology as an engine of growth remained largely untapped.
Keynote speaker, Professor Ayodeji Oluleye of the University of Ibadan, who led the discourse underscored the need for Nigeria to take serious the repositioning of the economy from mono product to one in which science and technology takes centre place.
He observed that the nation failed to record remarkable economic development, despite its huge potentials in science and technology, because individuals only utilized their potentials to satisfy themselves without consideration for the collective development of the nation’s system as a whole.
The University Don charged government to provide the needed infrastructure, enabling environment and access to capital for all Nigerians if the country is to fully tap its potentials in science and technology and engender economic development.
“The countries we call powerful or developed are called so because they are technologically driven and the reason we continue to ask for aid is because we have not focused on science. Our people have great potentials and many have demonstrated their abilities in science and technology individually.
“One of the biggest problems with implementation of policy in Nigeria is that everybody sees himself or herself as an individual. You don’t see what role you have to play in the system and without the system being well, no matter how rich you are, you are still poor and that is how we may continue to be poor collectively even though we have rich people among us,” he said.
Speaking, Director, Academic Planning, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Professor Ayodele Adegbola, clearly identified the potentials of science and technology to drive the economy in manufacturing, self – sustainability, agriculture, food production, scientific research work, technological development.
While averring that no nation had become a developed country without the input of science and technology, Adegbola advocated for the
collaboration of government, non -governmental organisations, research
institutes, universities to reposition the economy through science and technology.
The epoch – making event had in attendance the Acting Rector, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Mr Femi Ipadeola; Secretary to Oyo State Government, Mr Olalekan Alli; Chairperson, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs Aderonke Makanjuola; students, innovators, scientists, technologists, among others.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the commencement of its Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates, starting from October 25, 2024.
The examination is set to run until December 20, 2024, according to a statement released by the council on Tuesday.
In a bid to modernise the examination process, WAEC disclosed that the CBWASSCE will be conducted in a hybrid format.
Adesina Fadekemi, the council’s spokesperson, explained that the objective or multiple-choice questions would be displayed onscreen, requiring candidates to submit their responses electronically.
However, for essay and practical questions, while the questions will also be presented digitally, candidates will still provide answers using traditional answer booklets.
Additionally, WAEC has provided an option for candidates who prefer to use the conventional Paper and Pen mode for all exam papers, catering to those not comfortable with the digital format.
The council also extended the registration deadline for the upcoming CBWASSCE to Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Candidates who miss the registration window can still take advantage of the “Walk-in-Candidate” option, allowing them to register 24 hours before their preferred paper is scheduled.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, has reaffirmed his commitment to aiding the Federal Polytechnic Ayede in realising its full potential.
Senator Akintunde made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the institution’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker highlighted his passion for contributing to humanity, especially through the advancement of education and skills development.
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“I am part of the polytechnic system. I started at The Polytechnic, Ibadan before going to Lagos State University, Ojoo, Lagos. I’m a lover of knowledge and I am always striving to contribute my quota in the area of education and skills development, among others, and in the legislative assignments as my primary responsibility,” he stated.
The APC chieftain further emphasised his dedication to supporting the Polytechnic and its community, stating that leaders should be driven by a commitment to serving humanity.
He cited the legacy of Hon. Olu Afolabi, a Second Republic House of Representatives member, who was instrumental in establishing the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
“Afolabi’s legacy remains evergreen today,” Akintunde remarked, emphasising the importance of creating lasting impacts through public service.
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As part of his developmental projects for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Akintunde disclosed that he had procured 120 solar-powered boreholes to be installed across the 118 wards of the 11 local governments in his senatorial district, along with 10,000 solar street lights.
He assured the Federal Polytechnic Ayede that some of these solar street lights would be installed within the institution to enhance security and visibility on campus.
Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the acting Rector and Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Azeez Ojo, expressed gratitude to the senator.
The Rector noted that Senator Akintunde had demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropic causes even before assuming office as a senator.
“You see, it’s a great privilege receiving Distinguished Senator Yunus Akintunde and his entourage on our campus today. Out of your magnanimity, Sir, you have decided to receive us,” Ojo said, acknowledging the senator’s gesture.
“Our Rector is away to Abuja for the progress and development of our Polytechnic. So, on behalf of the Chairman of our Governing Council, Barrister Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu; Rector; other Principal Officers; Deans; Directors; staff, and students, I welcome you and your entourage to Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
“While on Brave FM, you have, before even telling us, announced the gesture of solar lights donated to us. This we appreciate with the whole of our hearts,” he said.
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The Rector assured the lawmaker that his support would be instrumental in the continued growth and development of the fast-expanding institution.
The visit concluded with the Polytechnic community expressing hope for further collaboration with the senator in the areas of educational and infrastructural development.
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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised serious concerns over the mass exit of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University, citing deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions as primary reasons for the exodus.
The worrying development was brought to light during a press conference held by ASUU on Friday, where officials of the union detailed the various challenges faced by academic staff at the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, lamented the lack of proper policies to retain top scholars, pointing out the absence of a formal employee exit policy.
“Many of our best scholars have been forced to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” Timothy said, adding that “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place, as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”
He further explained that the lack of such provisions leaves academic staff insecure about their future. “Without a pension or death benefit scheme, our members feel unsafe and unsure of their long-term prospects,” Timothy remarked.
In addition to these grievances, the union condemned the university’s administration for its failure to pay over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners. This has further deepened the discontent among staff members.
“Despite the university generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy disclosed.
The union also raised concerns over the sharp increase in student fees, coupled with the administration’s neglect of staff training and development.
Timothy criticised the university for imposing over a 100 percent hike in fees for regular undergraduate programmes, yet failing to address staff welfare.
“The university claims it lacks funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” he stated.
ASUU also expressed displeasure with the continued tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in office since the university’s inception.
The union called for adherence to established regulations governing appointments, arguing that the prolonged tenure has stifled accountability and hindered the implementation of progressive policies.
In light of these critical issues, ASUU urged the Bauchi State Government and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address staff welfare, calling for the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.
“Unless these issues are resolved, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He further called on the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure that all contentious matters are urgently addressed, securing the future of both academic staff and the institution.
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