CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study 

Education has remained an instrument of change and national development. It is a social process and the medium for the acquisition of relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes for survival in a changing world. The importance of science and technology to national development in the life of any country cannot be over-emphasized. This is because knowledge and skills in science and technology are very vital in the development of any society. Mulenwa (2002) points out that, the fast changing applications of science and technology and the global reliance on their processes and products in all areas of human endeavour have made them invaluable that any society or country without them risk being alienated from the global village. 

 Science refers to the systematic study of physical and natural environment which surrounds man in the society. With the knowledge of science, the life of man has improved greatly. Stanley (2006) asserts that, science is the study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world of society especially through observation and experiment. Opong (1981)

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defined science as “knowledge obtained by observation and testing of facts”. According to him, every science must have the ability to observe, keep records, measure and use numbers, make prediction and classify. By implication, science must follow a systematic procedure. Hence, Bassir (1981) defined science as a body of knowledge systematically tested about matter and the earth environment. Science employs data collection tools such as observation and experimentation etc. Data so collected are usually subjected to rigorous verification to determine validity and reliability. Analysis of such, provides genuine basis for inference and postulations. 

The National Policy on Education (1981) maintained that basic science at the primary science level is geared towards “the laying of a sound basis for scientific and reflective thinking giving the learner opportunity for developing manipulative skills that will enable him to function effectively in the society within the limit of his capacity and providing basic tools for further educational achievement, including preparation for trades and

crafts of the locality.  

        Science and technology have great impact in the life of man in the society. Science and technology have become such critical factors of economic and social development that life without them can no longer be contemplated. In addition, through science and technology, a nation develops its manpower in the critical areas such as agriculture, engineering, architecture, medicine, and other science based professions and technologies. The benefits of science and technology have transversed every conceivable sphere of human life. For example, man‟s ability to provide high quality goods and services has improved tremendously. New drugs, vaccines, sophisticated equipment and tools have been produced which are helping in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases thereby enhancing longevity. High- yielding varieties of crops and animals as well as disease resistant varieties have been developed. Through science and technology, transportation and communication have improved remarkably; sophisticated buildings that provide comfortable accommodation for people have also been constructed. As a result of these benefits that accrue from the pursuit of science and technology, many countries have been making frantic efforts towards their development so as to keep pace with the rest of the world.

In Nigeria, the system of education that was inherited from the colonial masters was inadequate and to a large extent, irrelevant to the developmental needs of the society (Afe, 2009). This is because the schools were mainly of the grammar type aimed at training boys and girls for clerical and white-cola jobs. Though there were attempts to introduce students to the rudiments of science and technology in subjects like black smith, carpentry, bricklaying (Bajah, 2007).  However, the voluntary agencies that pioneered western education were unable to popularize science and technology education on the same scale as literacy education because of the cost of equipment, dearth of manpower, among others. The effect of public opinion caused plans to be made for a series of national curriculum conference to redirect the course of Nigerian education in the face of the new felt needs and aspirations of the people. In 1977, a document tagged the national policy on education was released by the Federal Government which was revised in 1981, 1998 and 2004 (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004). In the document, efforts were made to put in place certain measures and policies aimed at enhancing the development of science and technology in Nigeria.

Basic science and technology therefore refers to the least knowledge, skills which an individual is expected to acquire through observation and experimentation of the physical and natural environment around them. Bajah (2007) asserts that science and technology has a great positive impact on man due to giant strides made by the knowledge and skills acquired therein to improve man.