The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UAC Foods, Dr. Tawanda Mushuku, has charged students at the primary and secondary school levels to ensure they have an an all round knowledge of every discipline of study before specialising.
Mushuku said this is the only way they will remain relevant in an ever changing world.
Mushuku, who spoke at the launch of Space Science Clubs for 20 primary schools in Lagos on Tuesday, said with the rapid development of science and technology and the need for a deep understanding of the peculiarities of each society, it is now mandatory for students to have knowledge of all subjects ranging from Physics to Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, English Language, History and General Studies.
Speaking at the event, which took place at MD Nursery and Primary School, New Oko Oba, Lagos, the UAC chief executive said it remains painful to him that despite his position as the head of a big conglomerate, there were certain limitations he has in terms of knowledge.
He said for instance, he has not less than 10 chips-powered gadgets that he knows nothing about their composition.
He mentioned such to include his Automated Teller Machine cards, mobile telephones and remote controls.
Mushuku said it was in this regard that he found it expedient to encourage pupils to join the Space Science Club in a bid to broaden their knowledge base and know more about the world around them.
He encouraged the pupils to love what the teacher is teaching, know the basics about all subjects, be disciplined, listen to their parents and elders, adding: “Without discipline, you can’t excel in life.
“You have to do extremely well in everything, all subjects.
“Love and appreciate nature.
“Love God.
“Fear God.
“It is the foundation of existence.”
Also speaking at the occasion, the Executive Director of MD Nursery and Primary School, Omolara Adedugbe, said the school decided to take on the project of coordinating the Space Science Clubs in Lagos State because of the knowledge it embodies.
Adedugbe said that space science is the future of the world and Nigerian children must not be left out.
She said introducing Nigerian children to space science at an early age would be a good approach to ensuring that students do not just learn science subjects for the sake of passing examinations but to be grounded in it as a way of life.
The launch of the club was performed by the leadership of the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education (English), which is affiliated to the United Nations.
The Head of Space Educations Outreach Programme of the ARCSSTE-E, which is located in the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Dr. Wumi Alabi, charged the pupils to pay attention to space science as it is the future of humanity.
Alabi said despite the challenges confronting Nigeria in terms of achieving quickly its space programmes, the future looks bright as the foundation has been laid for success.
She said it should not take Nigeria and Nigerians too long again before joining the visit to space and the moon.