Lawani wants government to revive science, engineering

Chief Executive Officer of Firstec Nigeria Limited, Akinola Lawani, has called on the Federal Government to boost local technology as well as revive science and engineering programmes in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

He made the call during the 43rd valedictory/graduation ceremony of Victory High School Ikeja, Lagos, where a total of 94 pupils graduated.

Lawani, an engineer pointed out that for Nigeria to advance technologically, it must take a cue from nations like China, which support local industries and invests heavily in science education.

He said, “To solve our problems, we need a change of orientation. We need to look inward, and grow our local technology industry. The first aircraft was made from plywood and from that point grew to what it is today. Here we have undying love for foreign goods, which is not helpful. Countries that have achieved greatly did not start like that. We have abundant human resources that can revive our manufacturing sector, going by the expertise of even our local panel-beaters.”

He emphasized that the teaching and learning of science and technology education should be practical-based saying, “Nigerian engineering graduates only struggle to pass exams but lack practical knowledge of the trade. And our system of employment exalts certificates. Government must invest in science and engineering education in higher institutions, for us to make progress.”

Managing Director of the school, Dr. Christian Ipoola Olaniyan, who challenged the graduating set to be good representatives of their alma mater, lamented that the economic situation in the country is indeed taking a toll on Lagos schools.”

He decried the negative effect of hike in fuel prices, saying running private schools with power generating sets regularly has more than doubled the day-to-day running cost of these institutions.