HoR aspirant Adedapo calls for greater investment in science education

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Iwo Federal Constituency, Engr. Ademola Adedapo, has called for greater investment in science education as a pathway to national development.

He made the call at the 7th edition of the Aenon Foundation Annual Science Quiz Competition held in Iwo, Osun State, where about 250 science students from secondary schools across Osun West Senatorial District participated.

Adedapo, who is also the president of Aenon Foundation, stressed that countries that have achieved significant progress in technology, innovation and industrial development did so by prioritising science and education. He noted that science remains the foundation of modern civilisation and economic growth.

Expressing concern over Nigeria’s developmental challenges despite its abundant human and natural resources, he attributed the situation partly to inadequate attention to science, innovation and research.

Adedapo, who said he had been organising the competition before joining active politics, expressed a desire to expand it to cover the entire state. He urged policymakers, educators, parents and students to adopt a stronger educational orientation that prioritises scientific knowledge and practical learning.

While congratulating the winner, Adedapo expressed satisfaction with the transparent conduct of the competition and assured participants of continued academic monitoring and support for beneficiaries.

He disclosed that some past beneficiaries are currently studying courses such as medicine, law and engineering in various universities, adding that outstanding students among them are placed on scholarship programmes.

At the end of the competition, Oyelami Peace Funmilola of Baptist High School, Ejigbo, emerged overall winner and received ₦500,000 and a brand-new laptop. The second and third-placed contestants received ₦250,000 and ₦150,000 respectively, while the teachers and schools of the winning students were also rewarded for their contributions to academic excellence.