TO promote home grown science and technology and improve the quality of science education in Nigeria, Science Spot Services, in collaboration with the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), is set to host 235 public and private schools for the first Elementary Science Olympiad (ESO) in Nigeria.

Apart from the competition, the event is also expected to give participants hands on knowledge on the practical aspect of science and help the children discover new things.

At a recent briefing in Lagos, the Chairman, Steering Committee of the organizing firm, Mr. Abiodun Ashiru, said the maiden edition of the Olympiad, which has been in existence in the United States of America and other countries for decades, is expected to revolutionalise science and technology education in the country.

According to him, the lack of early encouragement and motivation in science has so shrunk enrollment in higher institutions, especially in science courses and had resulted in poor performance in science examinations.

Also, Mr. Adewunmi Odunnaike explained that the premier science competition in the primary, junior and senior secondary categories would kick off in Lagos with the preliminary stage, which will run from October 8 to 16, in 16 local government levels.

The best school team, three each from each local government, would advance to the district finals where winners at this level would then proceed to the State finals to be held at YABATECH from October 18 to19.

Apart from medals, the first place winner will be sponsored to South Africa for a science tour, while the second and third place winners would participate in a science tour in Ghana and Nigeria respectively. Schools will also have the opportunity to win science equipment for their laboratory. Guardian