By Faith Igbudu
Benue State government has undertaken to ensure that students of science and technology are equipped with practical knowledge in their fields of study, to better position them in life.
Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Godwin Oyiwona, stated this at the maiden edition of Science and Technical Innovation (STI) EXPO 2021 for Government Science and Technical colleges under the Benue State Science and Technical Education Board (STEB), held at Special Science Senior Secondary School, Makurdi, where 13 schools under the board from across the state participated.
Dr Oyiwona, who was the Guest of Honour at the event, said the state is rising in the area of Science and Technology will maintain the tempo and build stronger walls, saying the EXPO is coming at the right time.
In a paper presentation, senior lecturer, Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Benue State University (BSU), Prof. Solomon Agishi, who talked on “Science and Technical Education for socio-economic development for Benue state,” called on the government to harness the potentials imbedded in entrepreneur science and technology as a means to address the rising unemployment amongst younger people.
According to him, science and technology is the mother of all forms of education and should not be looked down upon as a field for those who never do well, as without it, the nation will be dependent on others.
He commended the initiative, saying such exhibitions develop the environment. He encouraged parents and students to take science and technical education seriously.
In his presentation, Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Paul Ubwa, represented by the Personnel Manager, Pleasure Travels, Mr Joshua Shachia, encouraged participants to regard the gathering as important, saying science is a vital tool in today’s world and having science backed skills can make one self reliant in life.
Earlier, in a welcome address, Executive Secretary, STEB, Engr Samuel Kwende said, “for us to deviate from the consequences of youth restiveness, we need a robust and holistic approach to science activities and competiveness such as this EXPO that will inculcate technical values in our students,” he said.
Three students emerged best in the examination category. The 1st position went to Tyodoo Victor of Senior Special Science, Makurdi, 2nd to Itodo Michael from St Joseph Science and Technical College, Makurdi, and the 3rd position went to Jessica Pur of Senior Special Science, Makurdi.
