Olorundare, a professor of Science Education and Dean, Faculty of Education of University of Ilorin stated this in an inaugural lecture he delivered at the university.

The lecture was entitled, “Theory into Practice: Beyond Surface Curriculum in Science Education.”

The don said democratic and political leaders who have little or no clues as to the role, complexities, benefits and even risks of events that draw on knowledge of science and technology will be unable to offer pragmatic leadership.

He stated that citizens have obligation to be scientifically literate saying that literacy would help them to achieve their potentials and aid the development of the country.

He said: “Democracy is good and should be the main focus of governance but, democracy cannot and would not function optimally and effectively without citizens who can reason about science, not just to recite facts about science.

“If citizens are to achieve their full potential, they have to be provided with scientific and technological education that appropriately meets their needs,” he asserted.

Olorundare said no citizen can be said to be literate in this modern time unless and until the citizen possesses a basic understanding and appreciation of science and its work and methodology of knowledge generation.

He said that Nigeria needs to improve focus on science education and ensure those at the helm of affairs are not lacking in scientific knowledge to make it witness rapid development many nations of the world have achieved through science and technology.

“At this stage of our country’s development, with our country ‘boasting’ of being the largest economy in Africa and even hosting the World Economic Forum for Africa (WEFA) in May this year, science education for non-specialist citizens must be rescued from its present waning status.

“Nigeria needs leaders who have basic knowledge of scientific principles and technology,” he reiterated.

The don called for a vigorous science education campaign in the media,  primary and secondary schools and communities to “draw attention of the general populace, the science non-specialist citizens to the nature and importance of science, its developments, inventions and the activities of scientists that help to promote a scientifically literate disposition in our citizens.”

He suggested that there should be compulsory general course in Basic Science for all undergraduate students saying the present exposure to scientific knowledge through General studies is inadequate.