‘Innovation creativity vital in problem solving’

October 6, 2012 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: web editor

From ALEX NJOVU in Kitwe
MINSITRY of Education, Science, Vocation Training and Early Education permanent secretary Patricka Nkanza says creativity and innovation are important factors in solving unique challenges in life.
Speaking during the Zambian Engineering Design Competition at the Copperbelt University (CBU) on Thursday, Dr Nkanza said
progress in the world today is dependent on creativity and innovation.
Dr Nkanza commended organisers of the event for bringing together students from various institutions of higher learning in the country to compete in engineering designing.
“We have so many unique problems seeking unique solutions,” Dr Nkanza said.
He commended various higher institutions for working towards
building creativity and innovation among students.
Dr Nkanza said there is need to create space in which creativity and innovation can be nurtured and grown for the benefit of communities.
“As a representative of the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education, I am delighted to see the results of our efforts exhibited through our students,” Dr Nkanza said.
He said it is the belief of the Ministry of Education that the education and training system needs to be relevant and effective in solving local problems.
“It is only in this way that education and training can contribute to the overall economic and social development of our country. The
integration of creativity and innovation in our education and training system will result in a society which adds value to primary resources which create wealth, competitiveness and prosperity,” Dr Nkanza said
And CBU vice chancellor Naison Ngoma said the institution is focused on initiating programmes which are important in the development process of the country.
“It makes us proud when we see that our upcoming generations are able to utilise their knowledge to come up with tangible creations that are applicable and suitable to the local challenges we face as opposed to adopting foreign methods of solving local problems.
“When this happens, young people’s jobs are created through the entrepreneurship of these innovations. We will be assured of food security, improved health care, better production methods in mines and other industries,” he said.
Professor Ngoma said CBU will continue contributing to national development by creating opportunities for high quality education and learning.