By Sunday Awosoro.

The Federal Government has bemoaned the dislike of studying mathematics and other science related subjects among Nigerian students.

Highlighting that as a reason why the country is not adequately utilizing its resources, the federal government of Nigeria emphasized the displeasure and unwillingness it now shares towards importation.

Speaking at the training and “distribution of indigenous science kits for secondary school students,” on Tuesday, in Abuja, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said:

“We have noticed in our secondary schools that many students are reluctant to study mathematics and science subjects. This situation is not good for our country. We know that we need many of our young people to be interested in the study of Mathematics and sciences. This has become very important because we need to produce the necessary manpower that can help us to effectively and efficiently utilise the abundant natural resources we have in virtually all parts of the country.

“We have for long depended on other countries to meet our needs in many of the equipment, machines, industrial services needed for national development. Nigeria has the human beings, who if properly educated can fully exploit and convert her abundant natural resources into products and services needed both at home, in our schools, hospitals, laboratories, offices and factories.

“The continuous reliance on other countries, whereby we import most of the things we need is no longer acceptable. The science kits, that are being distributed, are locally produced by the Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), Enugu. The preference for an indigenous science kit is in line with the Presidential Executive Order No. 5.

“By using these science kits, the students will explore different branches of science including Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Ecology and Astronomy. Some selected teachers are being trained on the use of these science kits.”