May 14, 2008 - 4th National Conference Of The School Of Science Education, Federal College Of Education (Technical) Akoka
I feel deeply honoured by the invitation of the Dean, Mrs. Etuk-Iren, the organising Committee and the entire students and staff of the School of Science Educatio, Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka to this 4th National Conference of the school.
The theme for this conference – “Policy Formulation, Implementation and Delivery of Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) Education in Nigeria” vividly captures the whole process that will lead to the achievement of set objectives and aspirations.
It also establishes the vital link in the process and the importance of the role of everyone towards achieving set goals.
In the present global system, development in all facets of human endeavour is technology- driven, a situation which actually explains the wide gap that exist between developed and developing nations.
A pertinent question that we need to ask is why have we not been able to achieve much progress in the application of science and technology based knowledge to fast track our development process in spite of the number of students that are being churned out of our institutions with various certificates in different science based disciplines?
In addressing this issue, there is need to take a second look at the whole process of policy formulation, implementation and delivery with regards to science, technology and mathematics with a view to establishing their relevance and appropriateness to our needs. We should also examine whether this process takes enough cognisance of the diversified nature, local peculiarities and general use of scientific knowledge for practical purpose. This is very important because a wholesale adoption of foreign policies that are not domesticated to suite the local environment will not produce the desired delivery even with good implementation.
It is therefore my expectation that this conference will critically examine and analyse all issues that are relevant to the theme of this conference and come up with workable suggestions.
Finally, I congratulate Dr. (Mrs.) O. A. Adedayo, Mrs. O. Keshinro, Mr. S. B. Adeniba and Mr. E. E. Nwagbo all of whom I am informed will be conferred with the Science Gold Service Award. I wish you greater accomplishments in your endeavours.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is on this note that I declare the School of Science Education, Federal college of Education (Technical) Akoka 4th National Conference open.
I wish you a successful conference.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State