The Bayelsa State Government has upgraded science laboratories in public schools with the distribution of equipment to 15 selected secondary institutions across the eight local government areas to strengthen practical science education and improve learning outcomes.
The intervention, facilitated by the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) in collaboration with the State Technical Education Board, was unveiled during a presentation ceremony in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
READ ALSO:Chief of Air Staff Inaugurates Training Institution in Bayelsa State
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the EDTF, Professor Ebimieowei Etebu, said the initiative was designed to strengthen science teaching by providing students with the tools needed for hands-on learning.
According to him, practical laboratory sessions remain essential to effective science education, as students are assisted to gain better understanding of scientific concepts and theories.
Etebu said, “science education cannot be complete without practical exposure. Laboratory equipment enable students to connect classroom lessons with real-life applications.”
He further explained that the trust fund would visit beneficiary schools for monitor purposes, insisting that the essence of the equipment was for effective teaching and learning rather than remain in storage.
Enhance Education Standards
The chairman of the Bayelsa State Science and Technical Education Board, Professor Zekieni Yelebe, said that the donation was part of Governor Duoye Diri’s commitment to enhancing educational standards in public schools.
Yelebe urged school administrators and science teachers to maintain the laboratory equipment and ensure accessibility to students especially those in STEM.
Similarly, the representative of the Ministry of Education, the Permanent Secretary, Simon-Peter Okene, said that the EDTF’s sustained support to the sector would enhance development.
Okene warned principals against diverting the equipment from its intended purpose.
“The equipment belongs to the schools and should be used strictly for educational purposes. Students must be given access to benefit from this intervention,” he stressed.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiary schools, the president of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, Bayelsa State chapter, Mr. Court Enebibodo expressed appreciation to government for the intervention.
He said the donations were timely and would impact the students by making science more practical, engaging and relevant.
