Science and technology school opens in Yendi
The Deputy Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Dr Alfred Sugri Tia, has advised students to develop interest in the study of science and technology because the two subjects play crucial roles in resolving economic, social and environmental problems that confront nations.
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He stated that the importance of science and technology could not be over-emphasised, adding that no nation could develop without science and technology.
According to the minister, the government would continue to devote more resources and provide attractive incentives to encourage and promote the study of mathematics, science and technology in the country, indicating that the resources and incentives would help build the capacities of educational institutions in the teaching and learning of these subjects.
Dr Tia, who represented President John Dramani Mahama, made the statement at the inauguration of the 7A's College of Science and Technology (COSTECH) in the Yendi Municipality in the Northern Region last Saturday.
Background
The school, founded by a Mr Nathaniel Adams, is a private initiative under the auspices of the Regent of Dagbon and acting President of Dagbon Traditional Council, Kampakuya -Naa Andani Yakubu Abdulai.
With boarding facilities and currently at the basic level, plans are underway to extend it to the senior high school level within the next four to six years, and to the university level, in future.
It has an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) laboratory with computers, hostels for boys and girls, dining hall, classroom blocks, staff common room, teachers’ bungalows and quarters, sports facilities for football, basketball, table tennis, a water system, a stand-by generator and land for practical lessons in agriculture.
Dr Tia said for the past five years, the government had put in place incentive schemes and packages such as the Mathematics, Science and Technology Scholarship Scheme (MASTESS) to make specialisation in the sciences very attractive and rewarding.
He said the MASTESS programme had provided bursaries to about 10,000 needy science students since it was instituted in 2009.
Commendation
The Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Abdul-Rahman Hanan Gundadow, who represented the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mohammed-Muniru Limuna, also commended all those who contributed to the establishment of the school and urged parents to encourage their children to study mathematics, science and technology.
Appeal
The Kuga Naa, Abdulai Adam II, in a welcome address on behalf of the Regent of Dagbon, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the government to improve education in the country, but appealed to the government to do more, especially in the north.
The founder of the school, Mr Adams, expressed optimism that the school would provide quality education to the people.
As part of its support for the school, the government, through the MESTI, presented 30 computers and its accessories and 12 dustbins to the school.