Sound education, they say, is one of the pre-requisites for having a healthy society. And if this assertion is anything to go by, then the importance of qualitative science education cannot be over emphasised. In this report, ISAIAH BENJAMIN takes a look at an invention of a multi-functional science mobile teaching aid/ intervention laboratory set-up by a lecturer at FUT Minna, and how it will help to positively impact learning process in our schools. Not too long ago, the story filled the air of how a Kogi born academic staff in the department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Lawal Sadiq, invented a multi-functional mobile teaching laboratory for science teachers in secondary schools across the country. The equipment received lots of accolades on its debut and it has since been making waves in states that value science education and the best for their students.

 Kaduna State government, as usual, in setting the pace, purchased a substantial number of the multifunctional mobile teaching aid and laboratory kits for distribution to schools in the state. The inventor who was in the state during the flag off of a training workshop for science teachers in the state said, “the multifunctional mobile science teaching aid and laboratory kits is an effective instructional material for better deliveries in teaching, practical and learning which is for rebranded. Innovative and creative way of imparting experimental knowledge for quality and effective teaching”.

Speaking in Kaduna at the flag off ceremony, the VC of FUT, Professor Abdullahi Bala represented by Professor Moses Olutoye, expressed excitement and satisfaction about the educational importance of the equipment. The VC said, “We have bought this equipment to the benefit of students in Kaduna. It was 100 percent made in Nigeria. It was a product of a research in our university. “When this project was at its incubation stage, we protected it to avoid duplication in any part of the world. We believe in technology for development. This is a project from FUT Minna that has now commercialized for the good of the students.

“The students who are the end users will benefit tremendously. The equipment has taken the place of conventional laboratories where you spend lots of money to set up. WAEC or NECO can no longer tell you that you cannot do science subject because there is no laboratory. This equipment is laboratory”. Also, speaking, Director, Sabon Tasha Zonal education office, Mr. Joshua Ayuba, who represented Kaduna State Commissioner of education, science and technology, said, they are thankful to the VC for this occasion. “Lack of effective utilization of appropriate methods of teaching is another factor that affect learning outcome in our schools.

“I want to thank the inventor of these instructional materials for the scientific ideas and innovation he put together as a device which will be used to promote science and technology” The commissioner missed no words when he called on young scientists and technologists to work hard towards improving the innovation in quest for new technology devices. “This government will continue to partner with any inventor to uplift the teaching of science and technology in the State. “The usage of this instructional material in our schools is very paramount and as such, I am appealing to all schools that will receive these materials to ensure proper usage of the items. They should ensure that the materials are secured”.

The commissioner further commended the inventor and assuring that the State government will continue to collaborate with any inventor to uplift the teaching of science and technology in the state. On his part, the Director, FUTMIN Ventures, a subsidiary of the Federal University of Technology, Aminu Mohammed Ashafa, recounted how the institution has continued to remain committed to educational development. “For us as a University, we have been at the forefront of novel researches that are not just meant for staff promotion rather for the provision of solutions to societal challenges with the sole aim of advancing the fortunes of the society and the world at large.

“This project is just one of the many inventions by our faculty members aimed at making the teaching of science subjects easier for teachers and for the students to comprehend with ease based on its hands-on methodological approach with practical and well tested style of teaching delivery. “This training is in line with the core mandate of tertiary institutions all over the world which centres on teaching, research and community services. I am glad to inform this gathering that the Federal University of Technology, Minna under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Bala is desirous and committed to the promotion of harmonious relationship between the town and gown.

“FUT Minna is committed to the training of skilled and innovative workforce that would transform Nigeria’s natural resources into goods and services driven by entrepreneurship and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), to positively affect the economy and thus the quality of life of her people. Through this training, we believe that this mission of the University would be achieved. “Science education is very important to the development of any nation that is why nations must take it very serious from basic, secondary and tertiary institutions of learning. Considerable research has shown that many of the advanced nations were able to achieve so much in science and technology because of science education. “It is on record that the launching of Sputnik by the Russian government in October 4, 1957 would not have been possible if not for the position they placed physics and other science subjects.

“I am particularly happy with the fact that Kaduna State government has keyed into this revolution drive in the teaching of science subjects across secondary schools in the State through the adoption of novel science equipment and the recruitment of eminently qualified teachers who are well grounded in science subjects to champion this drive. It is my fervent belief that in no distant time, Kaduna State will be the leading State in the North and Nigeria at large with high percentage of science-oriented students at the basic, secondary and tertiary levels who will champion excellent inventions. “Let me use this medium to express our profound gratitude to the Kaduna State government for finding us worthy for this partnership. The present government of His Excellency, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai has proven to be an education friendly government due to the series of reforms and innovations initiated to transform the State’s educational sector for good.

“We are proud to be associated with Kaduna State government in its well documented policies to rejuvenate the State educational sector for good with particular reference to science and technology education”. There is therefore no doubt that Nigeria is making tremendous successes in the education sector with young researchers and inventors springing up. It is therefore a worthy call that such inventors like a Engineer Sadiq and many more others should not only be encouraged but their inventions patronized to serve as encouragement to others and therefore more talented people will put their talents to work