Airtel CEO: Science Education Key To Nigeria’s Growth

L-R, Hon. Commissioner for Commerce & Industry, Lagos State, Mrs Sola Oworu, winners of CEO Award for Excellence, Mr. Unyime Idem of Idems Ultimate Ltd; MD/CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya with Hon. Commissioner for Commerce & Industry, Ogun State, Otunba Abimbola Ashiru, during the presentation of the grand prize 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser SUV by Airtel CEO to the Channel Partner in Lagos

 The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, has urged policymakers to deepen science education in schools.

He called for  a curriculum that prepares students for  present-day situations.

Ogunsanya spoke at the 21st Annual Lecture, Award of Honours and Postgraduate Scholarship event organised by the Stephen Oluwole Awokoya Foundation for Science Education (SOAFSE) in Lagos on Tuesday.

The Airtel CEO said: “With the advent of GSM, made possible by Science & Technology, it only takes just a few minutes to get a mobile number connected today. This is what technology does, it liberates people. Currently there are over 140 million connected mobile lines in Nigeria. And for every 10 per cent increase in connectivity, there is 1.3 per cent impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

Ogunsanya recommended that Science Education should be made compulsory at secondary school level.

The event, chaired by the founder and former Chairman of Diamond Bank, Mr. Pascal Dozie, also recorded the presentation of recognition awards to the Chairman, Chrisland Schools Ltd  and Chancellor of Chrisland University, Mrs. Winifred Awosika; Dr. Olufemi Lalude and Dr. Olumide Phillips. Eight students who graduated with First Class honours selected from various universities were awarded postgraduate scholarships.