Among the countries in the world, Nigeria is one with a high level of poverty. The case of Nigeria however presents a glaring paradox. The country is rich but the citizens are poor. Despite the abundant human and natural resources in Nigeria, majority of the citizens are living in poverty. It thus becomes pertinent to ask the questions: Why is poverty looming in Nigeria despite the available human and natural resources and what is the future of the people in the country going to be? In this paper, the issue of poverty is examined but with special focus on its effects in Nigeria. Activities of JETS and the ways through which it can contribute to the eradication/alleviation of poverty in the country are discussed. Improved funding of Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) competitions by state and federal governments; provision of loan for graduates of educational institutions to establish small scale industries for production of scientific and technical projects; increased commitment of science teachers and schools' administrators towards production projects among others, have been suggested for poverty to become history in Nigeria.
[...] In view of the fact that lack of / inadequate fund is a major factor militating against the development of science and technology in Nigeria, particularly in the area of projects production, government can encourage schools towards projects production by providing more funds for JETS competition for its scope to be increased in schools. Loan can also be granted to graduates to produce projects on a very large scale. Science teachers should be granted in-service training to acquire additional knowledge and skills to produce projects. [...]
[...] Official statistics however show that in 1980, the national poverty incidence was of the population, which increased to in 1996 and 70% in 2000 (Obadan, 2010). The population living below $ 1.25 a day from 2000-2007 was also estimated to be (UNESCO Institute of Statistics, 2007). The level of poverty in Nigeria when compared to other countries in the world is disturbing. Statistics further reveal that Human Poverty Index in Nigeria was 114 in world rank; adult literacy rate was 112; combined gross enrolment ratio was 150 while the GDP per capital was 141 in rank (Human Development Report, 2009). [...]
[...] The issue of projects production using local materials however needs to be given priority to achieve a breakthrough in this area and for poverty to be eradicated completely in Nigeria. References Alatise, M.O (2007, 27th November).Poverty alleviation and the Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) in Nigeria. A Paper delivered at Ondo State Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) Week. Abdulsalami, N (2000). Poverty in education. The Educator 1 Chambers English Dictionary (1998). Edinburgh, U.K: Chambers Harrap Publishers Limited United Nations (2009). Human Development Report. Iguisi, O (2002). [...]
[...] JETS: Objectives and Activities Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS), is an association that has been promoting science and technology education in Nigeria since its inauguration by federal government in 1987. It was introduced to replace the former science club (in secondary schools and technical colleges) and the annual National Young Scientists Competition in Nigeria. It incorporates engineering, technical, science and other related courses in school's curriculum. In Nigeria, the objectives of JETS include the following: - inculcating science culture in Nigerian youths; - encouraging exchange of ideas amongst students of various backgrounds; - bridging the gap between science theory and practice; - generating and fostering interest in the acquisition of manipulative skills in the area of engineering, technology and sciences; - motivating students and increasing their awareness of the impact of science and technology in contemporary society; - promoting experimentation of research findings cum application of scientific and technological concepts; and - promoting general awareness of science and technology in everyday life. [...]
[...] Management in Nigeria 20-30 National Population Commission of Nigeria (2006). National population census. Abuja, NPC Obadan, M.I (2010). Poverty reduction in Nigeria: The way forward. Central Bank of Nigeria Economic & Financial Review 1-31 Ojobo, J.A (2008). Education: A catalyst for women empowerment in Nigeria. Ethiopia Journal of Education & Science 4 94-100 Oloruntegbe, K.O (2008, 24th -26th November). Projects production, perfection and evaluation strategies for JETS Programme. A Paper presented at 2008 Ondo state JETS facilitators workshop at Akure, Ikare-Akoko [...]
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