Scientists and journalists from across various institutions gathered in Abuja, for a 2-day workshop with the theme “Boosting science communication for the development of science in Africa,” aimed at fostering a close working relationship between scientists and journalists, so as to enhance the Nigerian public’s understanding of science.
Science is increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives: evident in multiple dimension of life. it unravels the mysteries of existence in our universe and provides explanation to numerous life puzzles. Unfortunately many still see science as boring and uninteresting.
However, lack of effective science communication means the public will not know, to a large extent, understand and appreciate the big role science plays in tackling our major societal challenges – be it public health, food insecurity, environmental or climate change related challenges. Science, together with technology and innovation helps transform human lives and consequently the economy.
The huge deficit in science communication means an equally enormous gap exist between science and policymaking, hence the low-level use of evidenced-based scientific information in decision making. This is a consequence of lack of political will on the part of the government to adequately fund scientific research and dissemination of scientific findings through the media.
Consequently, this has led to misconceptions of scientific facts, resulting in the general public`s mistrust about science, which contributes to the slow progress in the development of science in the country. Scientists cannot be entirely for failing to effectively communicate.
According to Mahmoud Maina, project lead, African Science Literacy Network and director of outreach at the Teaching and Research in Neuroscience for Development (TReND)
“The idea of the network is to create a platform that would enable scientists and journalists to form a partnership and learn about ways of engaging a wider audience with science; to support more accurate science communication with the general population so as facilitate the rise of Africa as a science superpower,
“I observed that there is a high level of cultural and religious misconceptions about science in our communities including poor visibility of science role models, inadequate science equipment in schools, as well as low support for science by the public and government. These problems affect our livelihood and education thus, hindering our potential as a country in the area of science and technology,” Maina said.
According to Dr. Kazeem Ajeigbe, lecturer in the department of Physiology, Igbinedion University, Edo state. Science Media Centre in universities will serve as a connecting unit between the university and the public.
“It can be domiciled in PR Unit of a university, since most, if not all, universities have PR Unit. At Science Media Centre, a parley or chat can be established between scientists with breaking research findings from a university and journalists, which will in turn package it in journalistic language and relay to the public” he said.
Meanwhile Dr. Temilola Oluseyi, senior lecturer in the department of chemistry, University of Lagos noted that the need for Science Media Centre in Universities will guide against research in universities which are mostly restricted to the pages of dissertations and journals from being limited and restricted.
“So most breakthroughs recorded do not get to the wider public. The establishment of Science media centres will improve on research and inspire new directions in research. The Centre will mediate between the researcher being a link between the town and gown. This will assist the stakeholders and policy makers to implement the outcomes of such” Oluseyi said.
Scientists and Journalists share one thing in common: dealing with facts. Thus, as a partnership between scientists and journalists will boost science communication in Nigeria. It was on this basis the ASLN trained a combination of 70 scientists and journalists from across institutions . The workshop was part of efforts to boost science communication and journalism in the country. Workshop participants were exposed to various topics around science communication and journalism, ranging from how to access and interpret scientific data; how to write credible science stories, how to identify truths and myths in science.
Chima Azubuike, is a reporter. He writes from Gombe state. He was one of the trained Journalists to communicate science effectively.
