STRENGTHENING NATIONAL CAPACITY THROUGH SCIENTIFIC INFRASTRUCTURE: PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Science education plays a fundamental role in national development by equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for innovation, problem-solving, and participation in modern society. Among the science subjects, physics is essential due to its wide applications in technology, engineering, medicine, and industry. However, the effective implementation of the physics curriculum in Nigeria continues to face significant challenges, including an inadequate number of qualified teachers, insufficient instructional materials, and poorly equipped laboratories. These constraints have contributed to students' poor academic performance in external examinations and have raised concerns about the declining quality of education in the country. This study examines the factors affecting the teaching and learning of physics and highlights the implications of these challenges for educational standards and national development. The study emphasizes the need for improved teacher quality, adequate learning resources, and effective curriculum implementation to enhance students' understanding, academic achievement, and acquisition of practical scientific skills necessary for lifelong learning and sustainable development.