January News Round Up:
The University Of Hargeisa hosted a lecture where Dr. Abdirahman Yusuf Abokor Fayetteville State University (University of North Carolina) USA addressed the Critical Role Of Stem Fields In The Development Of A Nation some of his statement where:
STEM fields have contributed to the giant advances in areas like computer and information technology, biomedical technology, telecommunication, transportation, etc.
Science improves our understanding of the natural world that we live in and improves our quality of life. Advances in transportation, telecommunication, technology, and medicine (to name a few) are made possible through advances in sciences.
Science expanded our understanding of the dimensions of the universe.
Technology brings to mind thoughts of computers and complex machines, but technology encompasses the application of scientific knowledge to practical demands. From the early primitive tools that humans used to the modern advanced machines, technology fully surrounds all aspects of human life. For instance, advances in medical applications directly corresponds to advances in technology.
Engineering is an important field in which advances in sciences are translated into advances in technology.
Engineering uses complex designs derived from sciences to build systems that human life heavily relies upon.
Traditional engineering fields include: electrical, computer, civil, mechanical, chemical, nuclear, and environmental engineering.
Mathematics is the backbone of science, engineering, and technology fields. Mathematics is the language that makes the other three fields accessible and the keystone that holds them together.
Today’s world powers achieved this status, in large part, through the genius and hard work of their scientists, engineers, and innovators. In a world that’s becoming increasingly complex, success is reliant upon fundamental knowledge driven from sciences and the broad applications of this knowledge.
Today’s world powers compete militarily, technologically, and economically. Countries that have advanced STEM fields (through proper investments) have the competitive edge.
It is remarkable how the first president of the United States,
George Washington, framed the importance of science in his
first State of the Union address:
“Nor am I less persuaded that you will agree with me in opinion that
there is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the
promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country
the surest basis of public happiness. In one in which the measures
of government receive their impressions so immediately from the
sense of the community as in ours it is proportionably [sic]
essential.” (U.S. President George Washington, First Annual
Message to Congress on the State of the Union, January 8, 1790)
Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. It is important that our country achieves competitiveness in STEM fields. Building a solid STEM foundation through a well-rounded curriculum is the best way to ensure that students are exposed to math, science, and technology throughout their educational career.
Young students are curious and impressionable. Instilling an interest at an early age can spark a lasting desire to pursue a career in the STEM fields.
We need to:
* Strengthen the skills of teachers through rigorous and
dynamic teacher training pathways in science,
mathematics and technology.
* Increase Somaliland’s talent pool by improving KG–12
science and mathematics education.
* Enlarge the pipeline of students prepared to enter college
and graduate with STEM degrees.
* Identify effective ways in which government and private
sector investments in education and training can enhance
STEM fields.
* Establish technical and vocational schools to meet the needs for creating small and medium size industries.
It is a historical fact that Muslims pioneered in diverse scientific fields. Names like Al-Khawarzimi (Algorthm, Algebra), Al-Biruni (Trigonometry), Ibnul Haythm (Optics), A’Razi and Ibnu Sina (Medicine) are renowned among scientists.
It is, therefore, imperative to know and understand that there is no conflict between Islam and modern science.
Allah (SWT) implores us in the Quran to ponder, think and use our mental faculty (brain) to understand and appreciate His creation.
On the other hand, it is incumbent upon Muslim scientists to dispel all the myths and superstitions that are alien to Islam.