EDTF, Science and Technical Education Board Facilitate Laboratory Equipment Donation to 15 Bayelsa SchoolsThe Bayelsa Government on Teusday distributed science laboratory equipment to 15 public secondary schools across the state’s eight local government areas to strengthen practical science education and improve learning outcomes.Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Yenagoa, Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), Prof. Ebimieowei Etebu, said effective science education depends on students gaining hands-on laboratory experience.He noted that practical experiments help students understand scientific concepts better and recalled how laboratory lessons he received decades ago continue to influence his understanding of science.Etebu assured that the EDTF would monitor the use of the equipment to ensure they are deployed for teaching and learning rather than being left unused.Chairman of the Bayelsa State Science and Technical Education Board, Prof. Zekieni Yelebe, described the intervention as further proof of Gov. Douye Diri’s commitment to improving educational standards.He urged school administrators and science teachers to maintain the equipment properly and provide students with opportunities to engage in practical experiments that promote innovation and scientific inquiry.Representing the Commissioner for Education, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Simon-Peter Okene, commended the EDTF for its sustained support for educational development across the state.Okene warned principals against diverting the equipment from their intended purpose, stressing that all items must remain in school laboratories for students’ use during practical lessons.Responding on behalf of the benefiting schools, President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Bayelsa State Chapter, Mr. Court Ogboseri Enebibodo, thanked the state government and EDTF for the intervention.He described the donation as timely and impactful, noting that it would make science subjects more engaging and practical for students.The equipment covers chemistry, biology, physics and agricultural science, including microscopes, beakers, Bunsen burners, test tubes, dissecting kits, voltmeters, fertilizers and other instructional materials.
