Science and Technology Education in Secondary Schools System: Challenges and Solutions for a Promising Future

Abstract

Education stands as the bedrock of societal progress and national development, pivotal for knowledge acquisition, economic growth, and societal cohesion. The Nigerian government has made substantial investments in science and technology education to foster sustainable national development. Despite these initiatives, the country is encountering various obstacles that are hindering the achievement of its national policy on science and technology education, which was established in 2018. As a consequence, the anticipated advancements in students' academic performance, scientific and technological innovation, economic growth, and transformation have yet to be realised. However, this article digs into the challenges facing science and technology education in Nigerian secondary schools, like the ongoing large class sizes, defective curriculum, poor teachers’ packages, lack of adequate and qualified teachers, poor funding, and inadequate infrastructure, which prevent Nigeria's capacity to contend universally in technological innovations. In conclusion, cooperative endeavours between the government and other stakeholders in education were proposed as a vital step toward giving solutions to these challenges, aiming to accomplish the objectives framed in the national policy on science and technology education.