The MTN Foundation recently launched the Science & Technology Laboratory Project by commissioning seven laboratories at Government Day Science Secondary School in Gombe, with the goal of enhancing technological development among students. The facilities consist of two Chemistry labs, two Biology labs, two Physics labs, and one Agricultural Science lab.
Praising the initiative, Principal Abdulhakim Mudansir of GDSSS acknowledged MTN’s commitment to supporting the education of students in Gombe. He noted that the laboratory would serve as a crucial catalyst for development and expressed gratitude to MTN for investing in the future of young learners.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, represented by the Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Abdullahi Bappa, praised the foundation for establishing laboratories, emphasizing that they will significantly enhance his administration’s efforts to elevate educational quality. Yahaya expressed gratitude to MTN Nigeria for selecting Government Day Science Secondary School, which he described as one of the state’s top institutions, believing that this partnership will advance scientific development in line with their goal of improving education. He also assured the foundation that the state would protect the donated items from vandalism and ensure the laboratories and their equipment remain secure.
Dr. Aishatu Maigari, the Commissioner for Education, emphasized that the recent donation would greatly impact the future of education in the state. She noted that the state welcomes further partnerships, highlighting MTN’s commitment to “doing creates the future.” Maigari mentioned that the new laboratory would significantly influence the training of future doctors, pharmacists, engineers, and other professionals.
Remarks From MTN Staff
MTN’s Senior Manager, Hamza Ibrahim, explained that the MTNF Science & Technology Laboratory Project aims to renovate and equip science laboratories, provide training for teachers and lab attendants, and enhance the overall teaching and learning experience in essential science subjects.
Ibrahim noted that the project is currently in its third phase, which focuses on improving science education in public secondary schools throughout Nigeria. In this phase, six schools across six states will have a total of 28 laboratories renovated between 2023 and 2024. In the previous two phases, laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology were updated, and the current phase also includes renovations for Agricultural Science laboratories in six public secondary schools.
Ibrahim noted that GDSSS Gombe is one of six schools that have successfully undergone renovations and upgrades to their science laboratories. He mentioned that MTNF has invested over N2 billion in refurbishing 102 science laboratories across 32 secondary schools in 15 states over the past three years. This initiative aligns with MTN Nigeria’s commitment to empowering youth and fostering academic excellence in public secondary schools nationwide. Through these efforts, they inspire students to envision their desired futures and provide opportunities to help them achieve their dreams.