KIGALI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda seeks to raise numbers of students studying science from 44 percent currently to 80 percent by 2024, a senior Rwandan official said on Friday at celebrations of World Science Day for Peace and Development.

The government has resolved to increase enrolment for science students at secondary schools and universities and established an innovation fund for graduates of science, which are expected to help achieve the target, said Isaac Munyakazi, minister of state for primary and secondary education, in Musanze district, northern Rwanda.

Achieving the target also requires interesting children to do science fields starting from early school levels, said Munyakazi.

Education is the foundation of wealth and development, he added.

The celebrations were characterized by exhibition of assorted products made by science students and presentations by science scholars on the importance of science as a human right with its benefits of scientific progress and its applications towards the wellbeing of society.

Secondary school student winners of 2018 Science Competitions and Science Fair at the national level were awarded prizes at the celebrations.

Celebrated every Nov. 10, World Science Day for Peace and Development highlights the important role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. The day also underlines the importance and relevance of science in daily lives.