By Favour Nnabugwu

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, to promote and strengthen mathematics and science subjects in the country.

The MoU was signed by the Minister of State for Education, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on behalf of the government while Satoru Takahashi of Mid-Term Review Mission leader, signed for JICA in Abuja recently.

Speaking after the signing, Wike declared that government remains determined to drive the process of development through enhancing the quality of science and mathematics education available to Nigerian children.

He said that government was cooperating with the Japanese government to train Nigerian science and maths teachers in acceptable international standard of education delivery, adding that science and maths form the bedrock of technological development of any nation.

Wike said: I am personally involved in this National Steering Committee because of the importance government attaches to the improvement of science and mathematics education. We have prevailed on the Japanese Government not to wind down the programme by 2013 so that the overall objectives of initiating the programme will not be defeated.

“The just signed report of the Mid-Term Review Mission is a confirmation of our dedication and that of JICA to make positive progress as regards science and Mathematics education.

“We believe from the position of JICA that the date of the winding down of the programme would be extended beyond 2013, whilst the states of implementation will go beyond the first three pilot states to six states.”

In his remarks, JICA Mid-Term Review Mission Team leader, Satoru Takahashi expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by the Minister of State for Education to the revival of the SMASE programme to benefit Nigerian students.