The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has endorsed the Science Set, a locally manufactured innovation aimed at transforming science education in the country.
The compact, desk-sized laboratory, developed by Dext Technology Limited, is designed to make hands-on science learning more accessible to students, particularly in resource-limited schools.
Mr Iddrisu described the initiative as a “as a paradigm shift” for science education in Ghana, emphasizing its potential to bridge the gap in science education and equip students with practical STEM skills.
Mr Iddrisu said this in Parliament when he raised the motion for debate on the budget estimates for his Ministry.
“For years, the lack of science resources has been a major obstacle to quality education, especially in rural areas,” he said. “The Science Set provides an affordable and effective solution, ensuring that every child, regardless of location, has access to hands-on learning.”
Currently, over 400 private schools in Ghana have integrated the Science Set into their curriculum, with an additional 500 schools in the UK adopting a version of the kit. Manufactured in Kumasi, the Science Set aligns with Ghana’s Standards-Based Curriculum, allowing students to perform all required science experiments efficiently and at a lower cost.
Beyond education, Mr Iddrisu highlighted the economic impact of the initiative, stating that scaling the Science Set nationwide could create thousands of jobs in production, distribution, and teacher training.
He further noted that the project could position Ghana as a leader in STEM education across Africa, with the potential to export the innovation to other countries.
“This is a national opportunity,” he stated. “If implemented on a large scale, the Science Set will not only revolutionize STEM education but also drive economic growth by creating new employment opportunities.”
The Minister called on stakeholders in education and industry to support the initiative, emphasizing that investment in STEM is crucial for Ghana’s future development.
“Funding for the project is expected to come from multiple sources including support from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND). The Ministry plans to send out science sets to schools by next academic year with primary 4- 6 being the initial beneficiaries,”he said.
As the government continues its efforts to enhance education, The Education Minister remains at the forefront, advocating for innovations like the Science Set to ensure that no child is left behind in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
