Kogi State Government on Saturday said it had concluded plans to organise competition of “21 Young Scientist Governor’s Award (KYSGA-21)”, aimed at encouraging and developing the interest of students in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology, made this known in a statement in Lokoja on Saturday.
The commissioner stated that the competition was open for all Senior Secondary Scool science students in both public and private schools in the 21 local government areas of the state.
According to her, the final competition at state level will have all champions from senatorial levels compete on Saturday, Nov. 10 in the confluence city to mark the “World Science Day 2018”.
She added that “winners of the grand finale of KYSGA-21 will represent the state at the “774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (YONSPA)” that would be organised by Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
“The objective of the federal initiative is to produce dedicated scientists and technologists with capacity to compete internationally.
“It is also to encourage students to contribute toward capacity building for technological advancement, among others.
“Winners at the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award will be sponsored from secondary education to PhD level, in addition to other benefits.
“The subjects for the competition are: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.”
The comissioner said that all LGA candidates would compete at the senatorial districts on Wednesday, Nov. 7, while all the senatorial competition would hold simulteneously at the different locations.
The locations are: Ankpa- St. Charles College, Idah – St. Peter’s College for Kogi East; Kabba- St. Augustine College, Lokoja – Government Science College for West; and Okene- Abdulazeez Attah Memorial College for Central.
She said that the final competition would be an online computer-based test, saying, “senetorial finalists are expected to arrive in Lokoja on Friday, Nov. 8, for induction/orientation for State final”.
She enjoined all schools to forward names of their contestants to the ministry’s Director of Education Support Services or by email to: [email protected], before the close of business on Monday, Nov 5.
“Schools should also ensure that contestants are accompanied by their science teachers.
“We wish all contestants an engaging, enjoyable contest and safe travels. Let the best win,” Osikoya said. (NAN)