Prioritise Science Education, Invest in Laboratories- School Principal Urges Government.

The Principal of COCIN Headquarters Church Secondary School, Hwolaza, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Mr. Sako Auta, has called on education policymakers and government at all levels to prioritise science education through deliberate investments in infrastructure and funding.

The principal made the call during an interview on the sidelines of an inter Schools Science Quiz Competition organised by the school as part of efforts to boost academic performance and stimulate students’ interest in science.

He called on authorities to go beyond policy formulation by ensuring effective supervision of schools and the provision of functional science laboratories. He noted that many schools lack adequate facilities.

He urged the government to partner with international donors and well-meaning individuals to improve science education across the country.

According to him, there is an ongoing needs assessments in schools by the Plateau State Ministry of Education, but he appealed that the assessment must not “end on tables or paper,” but translate into tangible interventions that will enhance teaching and learning, particularly in science-related subjects.

Auta said the initiative marks a new phase in the school’s development, focusing on raising academic standards and positioning the institution to compete with top schools across northern Nigeria.

He disclosed that the competition attracted notable schools which includes, Kent Academy Miango, St. Pirants High School, and St. Michael’s College, adding that his school deliberately fielded SS2 students instead of SS3 to test their academic strength.

“The essence is to awaken interest in science and push our students to excellence. We want to test what we have instilled in them and show that we have come of age academically,” he said.

He also advised students, particularly those in science fields, to reduce excessive use of social media and commit more time to their studies. He cautioned that decline in discipline and increasing comfort levels are affecting academic performance.

The Principal expressed optimism that the maiden edition of the quiz competition would set the stage for future editions, with the vision of attracting wider participation and recognition.

At the end of the quiz competition, St. Pirants High School emerged winner, while Kent Academy, Miango came second and the third position went to the host, COCIN Headquarters Church Secondary School.
All questions were asked from key science subjects like Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.

Mrs. Austin Vivian, Vice Principal Academics of St. Pirans High School, who led the participants from her school, expressed gratitude to the school for the initiative saying, “these are things that actually spur learning in students. It actually motivates the children to do better.”

She also appealed to government, NGOs, and other individuals who are capable to support such initiatives in order to encourage the students. She suggested the State Ministry of Education should also come up with such initiative for schools across the State.