FCT COE HOSTS FIRST SCIENCE FAIR
By: Ramatu Jijitar, Blessing Ofurum, Halimah Yahaya and Attahiru Umar
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) College of Education, Zuba, School of Sciences on Tuesday September16th, 2025, held its maiden Science Fair. The event drew students, educators, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the country, with the stakeholders calling for greater investment in science and technology to drive Nigeria’s future.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Colleges of Education, Hon. Adamu Tanko, in his address, urged stakeholders to move beyond “lip service” and channel real resources into innovation.
“We must take practical steps to invest in science and technology not only for sustainable development, but as a duty to our fatherland and future generations,” he said.
He lamented Nigeria’s reliance on foreign technology and weak infrastructure, noting that stronger partnerships with educational institutions could unlock the nation’s potential and position her to compete globally.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanya, representated by Dr. Victor Fadipe encouraged inclusivity in scientific pursuits.
She said that formal education should not be seen as a barrier, saying: “Everybody has potential. Innovation will come when we break the barriers that limit participation in science.” She highlighted Nigeria’s vast natural and human resources and the need for institutions to develop critical skills to harness them.
The Provost of the College, Dr. Sule Mundi, reminded participants of the centrality of science to all fields of study and professions. “Whatever course you read, you are only explaining or selling science,” he said. He described the fair as a platform to connect classroom theory with practical application, showcasing the creativity and enthusiasm of students from the College and participating secondary schools.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Dean of the School of Sciences, Dr. Lauratu Adamu Kurawa, welcomed guests and appealed for individual and institutional support to sustain the fair.
She described the exhibition as evidence of resilience and commitment to producing not just teachers but innovators, inventors, and problem-solvers. “Our innovation programme is still in its infancy. With your support, this exhibition will grow into a stronger annual event,” she stated .
Delivering a keynote lecture on Harnessing Innovation for an Inclusive, Future-Ready Educational Transformation in Nigeria, the Director-General of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr. Olushola Odusanya, charged students to embrace their role as future leaders. “The future of Nigeria is in your hands,” he told them. “Seventy percent of our population is under the age of 50—you are the true owners of Nigeria.”
The event also featured goodwill messages from traditional and institutional leaders. Sarkin Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa, underscored the centrality of science in improving human life, while Engr. Ahmed Suleiman Gumsuri of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) commended the timing of the exhibition. He revealed that over 100 Nigerian innovators would represent the country at the grand finale of the International Innovation Challenge 2025 in London, describing it as a rare platform to showcase indigenous creativity to global audiences.
The high point of the fair was the award presentation, which honoured the Provost, Deputy Provost, Sarkin Jiwa and representative of the FMIST, among others, for their contributions to education and innovation. Guests were later taken on a guided tour of students’ projects, which ranged from practical science demonstrations to creative prototypes.
Prizes were also given to winners in the competitions. In the secondary school category, Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), Garki emerged first, followed by GSTC Kwali and GSTC Maitama. In the College category, the Biology Department clinched the top prize, with Computer Science and Physics departments taking second and third place respectively.
With its blend of vision, creativity, and youthful enthusiasm, the FCT College of Education Science Fair set the stage for what many hope will become a flagship event in nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of innovators.
