Ministry sets to tackle environmental challenges with innovative policies, programmes
The Ministry of Science and Technology Innovation, on Thursday said it is establishing effective policies and programmes, using science and technology innovation, to tackle environmental challenges in the country.
Dr Ogbonnanya Onu, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, disclosed this in Abuja, at a National innuaguration of School Safety Projects, with a theme, “Environmental Science Technology and Innovation Hub”.
Onu, represented by Dr Peter Ekweozoh, Director, Environmental Sciences and Technology in the ministry, said that the programmes would address the environmental challenges through innovative policies.
He said that some of the policies focused on securing the environment and industries as the effort would promote development in the country.
He, however, commended the institute on the laudable programme, adding that the effort would improve environmental protection among the students as well as the public.
Also, DCP Sulaiman Abdul, who represented the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Usman Baba, said that the police are committed in ensuring the safety of the students, the school authorities and its environs and entire public.
He appreciated the effort made by the institute in promoting the schools environment and other laudible programmes the organisation is creating to improve the environment of the country.
Dr Gloria Oboh, Director, Environmental Biotechnology and Bioconservation Department (EBD), National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), said that environmental issues in schools deal with adverse environmental contaminations.
Oboh said that such environmetal contaminations includes physical, chemical and substances of biogical origin which affect air quality and other sources of water used in schools.
She said that environmental safety in schools can only be achieved when a foundation for school safety has been laid and nurtured to maturity.
She said that the agency would work effectively with the organisation to improve safe schooling in the country.
Dr Faithpraise Otosi, Chairperson of the occasion, said that violence in schools has negatively affected the future of some students in the country.
Otosi, of the Department of Engineering at the University of Calabar, Cross River, called on all tiers of government and relevant stakeholders to stand up for safety of schools and environs.
She added that promoting school safety as well as the environment is a national priority for everyone in the country.
Amb. Emenike Eme, Rector, Environmetal Ethics and Safety Institute (ESCORP), said that the ESCORP engaged in providing environmental safety to both private and public schools in the country.
Eme said that the institute had created various awareness and had promoted green technology and innovative skills in schools.
He said that the institute was aimed at increasing attitudinal change among the citizens and ensuring a cleaner, safer school environment for effective teaching and learning in the absence of threats to life.
He explained that the theme of the programme served as an incubation centre for development and Production of innovative, environmental safety wares by science community in Nigeria.
By Vivian Emoni
