By Michael Ezenwata
The Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka campus has successfully flagged off its maiden annual conference with the theme, “Re-Imagining Science Teaching For Technological Advancements In An Era of Insecurity And Economic Meltdown”
The Dean, Faculty of Education, Professor Ebele Okigbo in an opening speech, welcomed participants to the occasion with high expectations that the conference with its resource persons will do justice to the theme which touches the twin maladies that are undermining the development of the country.
Prof. Okigbo expressed delight in the advances made by the department under the leadership of the head of department, Rev Sr Dr. Chinyere Nwankwo and expects the department to grow from strength to strength.
Dr. Nwankwo in an address of welcome described science teaching as a catalyst for critical thinking, creativity and innovation, and an endeavor that requires balancing the pursuit of knowledge with the imperative of wisdom and resourcefulness.
According to her, economic Meltdown’ demands the participants to rethink on approaches to challenging assumptions and to harness the transformative power of science education.
She called on public spirited individuals to support the commitment of the department towards building an ultra modern science education laboratory building and departmental bus.
Dr. Nwankwo announced that the conference provides an avenue for home coming for the department’s alumni and to appreciate its lecturers and the department that nurtured them.
The chairman of the occasion and one time Acting Dean Faculty of Education, Prof. Isaac Nwankwo urged the department to remain focused in its drive to make science education a full scale faculty.
Prof. Nwankwo further used the forum to urge participants and the citizenry to be mindful of security consciousness which is everybody’s business.
During the conference, the keynote speaker, Prof Alphonsus Ovute spoke on its theme expecting participants to be ever security conscious and aim at surmounting the economic meltdown’ in the country.
The department gave a distinguished leadership award to the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Okigbo.
Another awardee, Professor Abigail Osuafor ,a retired staff of the department of Science Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka campus and a fellow of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria bagged a “Lifetime Achievement Award for her mentorship, prowess, outstanding service and numerous contributions to the growth of the department, faculty and the education sector in general.
She was represented at the forum by her last daughter, Dr. Ogonna Osuafor of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka campus who used the occasion to appreciate the department for honouring her mother resident in far away Belfast in Europe.
In a note of appreciation, another award recipient, Prof. Josephine Nwanneka Okoli an external Assessor for professorial appointments for several universities in Nigeria, bagged, “The Life Time Achievement Award for her mentorship and outstanding service to the department.
As the Respected President of Ladies Auxiliary (LAUX 363) Knight of St. John International, St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Awka ,she used the forum to thank the department for honouring her and pledged to do more towards the promotion of science education in the university and beyond.
Contributing, her son Mr. Charles Okoli of the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka campus felicitated with his mother for the honour given to her.
Another awardee, Lolo Theresa Mary Agha a former President of the CWO, Holy Trinity Zone of St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Awka bagged “A Community Development Outstanding Service To Society Award’ from the Department of Science Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka campus.
Lolo Agha used the forum to appreciate the department and promised to do more for humanity.
In a remark, another award recipient, Mrs. Theresa Okeke appreciated the department for rewarding excellence which calls for more work.
- Ezenwata is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
