The President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), FCT chapter, Hajiya Samira Jibir, has called on the Federal Government to support science initiatives by students to enhance development of the nation.
She spoke in Abuja at the 4th edition of the First Lego League (FLL) with the theme: “Application of ICT in Hydrodynamics”.
The president of the association said that government’s support was necessary to enhance students’ development in the field of innovations and sciences.
Jibir noted that the support would play a relevant role in making Nigeria compete favourably with her counterparts in the world, especially as it concerns the young innovators and scientists.
According to her, the world is a global village and it is important that our children are part of the technological development and compete favourably with their counterparts all over the world.
“It is a great thing that children are able to innovate, they are creative and intelligent and with this, they can take science to the next level.
“We can start to rely on our own innovation in Nigeria.
“We can only start at this early stage with our children and sustain it at all cost.
“Innovation and creativity should not just be artistic but should solve problems; this is what the children are doing and it gives us joy,” she said.
Jibir noted that government’s presence was needed, while calling those in authorities to find ways out of their tight schedule to take actions by supporting the young innovators.
“This is what NAPPS want to achieve. We have to train the trainers, after training the teachers they will now impart knowledge to the children.
“We should understand that without training the teachers, the children cannot benefit.
“We have trained about 600 teachers in the past two years and we are not relenting.
“It should be a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector to shape the future of our children.
“We understand that government cannot do it alone and that is why we are appealing to those in authorities to give us the necessary backing.
“The necessary supports that will make Nigeria compete globally not only in the area of science and technology but across all spheres of life,” she said.
Also, Mr Olajide Ajayi, the Director of SAP Africa and the organiser of the event said the programme was put in place to inspire young Nigerian to become innovators and creators.
Ajayi added that the programme would also make the young Nigerian more relevant to proffer solutions to problems.
“The programme is to inspire the kids to be creative and logical in their thinking.
“The robotics they are doing here can be applied to Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and other related subjects.”
He said it would continue to mentor and monitor their progress and development.
The director also solicited support of the government to catch these kids young and develop them.
a team of young students from Port Harcourt who took first in the competition of Riv Robotics would go to the FLL World Festival in Houston Texas.
Also, Team Glisten Galaxy from Glisten International Academy, Abuja came second and would represent Nigeria at the Open European Championship in Debrecen Hungary in May 2018.
