MTN Foundation recently commissioned three science laboratories (Chemistry, Physics and Biology) at St. Augustine College Ibusa, Delta state. The project, which is part of the second phase of the Foundation’s Science and Technology Laboratory initiative, includes the renovation of existing laboratory rooms, installation of laboratory furniture, supply of laboratory equipment and consumables, installation of solar-powered borehole and alternative power solution, and training of science teachers and laboratory attendants.
In attendance were the Obuzor of Ibusa, Prof. Louis Nwaoboshi; Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr Patrick Ukah, Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu, amongst other dignitaries.
The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government Mr Patrick Ukah, said that the project would encourage students to enhance their knowledge on science, technology and innovation. “My administration has always showed its readiness to continuously partner with MTN Foundation and I commend the Foundation for effectively carrying out its corporate social responsibilities toward the people.
“The joy of a perfect partnership is one of the bedrocks of this administration. We remain committed to quality education at all levels, hence our readiness to support MTN Foundation and other stakeholders who take the initiative to encourage us in one way or the other,” he said.
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In her remarks at the commissioning, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya said the aim of the Science and Technology Laboratory project is to enable the young Nigerian population to achieve good education especially in science. “At MTN we believe that with science and technology we can close the gap as a nation. For us it is also creating a conducive environment for the children to learn and do well especially in sciences,” she said.
Principal, St. Augustine College, Rev Michael Ibeh, commended MTN for maintaining its corporate social responsibility to the society and pledged readiness to maintain the facility. “I came to the school and I discovered that the laboratories were in a very dilapidated state. I made a move through the old students association on how to restore the Laboratory so that the students who study here would be able to compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world, they (MTN Foundation) have come to our aid and we promise to give the student the best,” he said.
Three other schools – Government Secondary School Owerri, St. Aquinas College Akure, and
Queens College Lagos – also received a full renovation and refurbishment of their chemistry, physics and biology science laboratories. MTNF Science and Technology Laboratory Project, was conceived to strengthen science and technology education through the remodeling of science laboratories in public secondary schools.
Currently in its second phase, the Foundation has renovated science laboratories in 22 schools across several states in Nigeria including Lagos, Abuja, Edo, Kwara, Katsina, Bauchi and Abia.
