Students encouraged to embrace Science

Prof. Rose Leke gave a lecture on February 6, 2015, at the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation in Yaounde.

This was in the prelude to the celebration of the 49th National Youth Day on February 11, 2015. The Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation on February 6, 2015, in Yaounde organised an interactive discussion for college and university students on the theme, “Promoting a culture of science and innovation among youth.”

The guest speaker, Rose Leke, a Professor of Immunology and Parasitology, drilled the full hall in the Institute of Education on the legacy of late French scientist, Louis Pasteur, and other topics.

She pointed out that Pasteur was just a simple scientist who made strides because he was determined and persistent in seeking answers to problems plaguing society like why beer was getting sour in France.

This, he did, in spite of several setbacks, Leke pointed out. Science is simply about trying to understand why and how things work in society noted the Female Scientist winner of the Nkwame Nkrumah African Union Prize.

Drawing from her life, career and current research interest in malaria in pregnant women, Prof. Leke explained that developing a culture of science and innovation demands passion, asking questions, being rationale and inquisitive.

She said the secret of her success was hard work, persistence, good planning, the continuous strive for excellence and taking everything to God in prayers.

The renowned scientist enjoined students to talk to their teachers, lecturers and friends, saying it was by so doing that they could become more innovative.

Also speaking at the event, the Secretary General in the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Rebecca Madeleine Obéllé Etomè, informed the students that the ministry has offered a prize of FCFA 10 million to promote the work of young researchers.

Apart from organising scientific research days in all regions, the ministry intends in the near future to visit colleges to promote the nurturing of a culture of science and innovation among students and Prof. Rose Leke has promised to join the team.