The four-day event, organised by the University at its Sunyani campus was to promote the study of science among pupils and students of J/SHS levels; to encourage more students to pursue science-related academic and professional disciplines at the tertiary level.

It was also held to introduce to the over 1000 student-participants what the University could offer for the prospective academicians and professionals in the field of science through the study of basic sciences, technology and innovation.

Professor Harrison Kwame Dapaah, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University, said through science, researchers have been able to unearth discoveries to address various challenges facing the world.

He said the festival was also to exhibit the practical application of science and its effect on businesses and daily occurrences.

Professor Dapaah cited climate change, energy, famine, drought, health and aging as some of the likely challenges and called for the adoption of science at all levels of education to help develop practical solutions to emerging challenges.

Mrs Araba Bentum, a Science Educationist at the Brong-Ahafo Regional Directorate of Education, said there is the need to inculcate the study of science and technology in the youth to serve as the wheel to propel the socio-economic growth and development of the nation.

It was in this regard, she said that the government created Science, Technology, Mathematics and Innovative Education (STMIE) Centres as implementers of the government`s policies on STMIE.

Mrs Bentum urged the organisers to work towards the achievement of the vision to making the study of science more interesting for the student to appreciate.

Dr Mark Amo Boateng, a lecturer and Head of Department of the Earth Observation Centre at the University, called on the participants to dispel the notion that mathematics and the sciences are difficult subjects to study.

He said it is a matter of developing the interest and self-confidence adding that with quality teaching and guidance, coupled with seriousness and determination, any student could study and excel in science and mathematics.

Dr Boateng said the two subjects are essential to the existence and survival of humanity and challenged the younger generation to partake in the subjects.

As part of the festival, the participants were taken through selected Departments and laboratories of the University where exhibitions have been mounted for them to have a practical feel in the science and technology realms.