The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called for increased focus on science education beyond traditional literacy and numeracy, noting that unequal access to quantum science could widen existing global disparities.
Quantum science, which studies the behaviour of matter and energy at the tiniest scales, forms the foundation of technologies in medical imaging, secure communications, satellite navigation, climate prediction and advanced materials.
The minister observed that a widening quantum gap is emerging between nations with access to advanced scientific knowledge and those without, a situation he described as a serious threat to inclusive development.
“Instead of discussing literacy and numeracy, maybe we should be talking more about science literacy. There is now a gap between those who have access to quantum science and those who do not; we must close the gap,” he said.
He was speaking at the global closing ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025) in Accra last Tuesday.
The event
The high-level event was on the theme: “Century of Quantum Science: Celebrating 100 Years of Discovery, Impact and the Next Frontier for Humanity”.
It brought together education policymakers, scientists, curriculum specialists and development partners from across the world to reflect on lessons from IYQ 2025 and chart future directions for quantum science education.
The event is an UNESCO-led global initiative, with a focus on demystifying quantum science and strengthening its integration into education systems.
Disparities
Mr Iddrisu noted that despite growing global interest in quantum science, significant disparities persisted, revealing that about 145 countries still lacked clear quantum strategies.
He stressed that access to science was declining globally, alongside a worrying drop in the number of engineers and called for urgent action.
“It reminds us to wake up and invest more in science education, in particular quantum science,” he said.
The minister highlighted the relevance of quantum science to key sectors such as agriculture, food security and climate monitoring, noting that advanced sensing technologies could improve soil and water management, an area of critical importance for countries such as Ghana, where agriculture sustains millions of livelihoods.
Selecting Ghana to host the global closing ceremony, he said, was a recognition of the country’s growing role in international scientific dialogue and Africa’s contribution to frontier science.
Mr Iddrisu underscored education as the foundation for scientific advancement, stressing that investments in teachers, researchers and young learners would determine how effectively Africa harnesses quantum science for development.
The Growing impact
The President of the Institute of Physics, United Kingdom, Professor Michele Dougherty, highlighted the growing impact of quantum science across sectors, including health, industry, climate monitoring and energy, noting that quantum technologies were already reshaping medical imaging, drug development, materials science and environmental sensing.
Science, technology
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Director at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Suweibatu Adam, underscored the importance of science and technology as a foundation for international cooperation and sustainable development.
She said the IYQ science and technology had provided an opportunity for the global community to reflect on the evolving role of science in addressing shared development challenges across societies.
“The International Year has reinforced the importance of scientific knowledge as a foundation for cooperation and sustainable development across regions and disciplines,” she stated.
Mrs Adam noted that the global observance, championed through UNESCO and supported by international partners, had helped elevate quantum science on the global agenda, describing it as one of the most dynamic areas of research with far-reaching implications for education, technological transformation and environmental sustainability.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh