No fewer than 225 public secondary schools and five government science and technical colleges in Bayelsa State have received science laboratory equipment and drawing studio desks donated by the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF).
The multi-million naira donation was officially unveiled at a flag-off ceremony held at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Yenagoa. The initiative is aimed at strengthening practical science teaching, improving learning outcomes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and encouraging students to pursue science-related careers.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the EDTF, Professor Ebimieowei Etebu, said the intervention was a strategic investment in the state’s future, stressing that access to quality educational resources is essential for youth development.The Chairman of the EDTF, High Chief Fidelis Agbiki, emphasised the importance of proper use of the donated items and warned school principals against diversion or misuse. He said the fund would enforce strict monitoring to ensure accountability.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emellah, commended the EDTF for its continued support, noting that the equipment would significantly boost science and technical education across the state. He urged school administrators to integrate the materials into teaching activities.
Other stakeholders, including lawmakers and education officials, called for similar interventions to reach more rural schools. Benefiting students and school heads welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major boost to hands-on learning in science subjects.
