EDTF IN COLLABORATION WITH STEB, DISTRIBUTES SCIENCE LABORATORY/AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT TO 15 PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BAYELSA STATE

In a bid to support the prosperity government agenda in revamping the the educational sector, the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Science and Technology Education Board (STEB), has distributed the 5th batch of Science Laboratory/Agricultural Equipment, such as, Bouncing burners, Dissector kits, Microscopes, Vault metres, Test tubes and Modern farming tools to Fifteen (15) Public Secondary Schools across the Eight (8) Local Government Areas to enhance Science education in the State. The benefiting Schools include, CSS Okpoama, Brass LGA, CSS Okoroba, Nembe LGA, CSS Epebu, Ogbia LGA, CSS Oruma, Ogbia LGA, CSS Famgbe, Yenagoa LGA, CSS Biogbolo/Yeni-zuegene, Yenagoa LGA and CSS Ikarama, Yenagoa LGA. Others are, CSS Opokuma, Kolga, CSS Odi, Kolga, CSS Koluama 1, Silga, CHS Azuzuama, Silga, CSS Opuama, Silga, CSS Egbemo-Angalabiri, Ekelga, CSS Elemebiri, Salga and CSS Ekeremor, Ekelga.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the Ministry of Education Conference Room, Education House, in Yenagoa, the Executive Secretary EDTF, Professor Ebimieowei Etebu expressed satisfaction for the distribution of the equipment to the Schools noting that, it will significantly impact on the Students in acquiring the needed scientific knowledge and skills to solve problems in the society. According to him, the EDTF is committed to support the development of quality education at all levels in line with its mandate stating that, it will continue to partner with sister agencies to ensure the provision of learning materials and other critical interventions to boost education in the State. Professor Etebu described the importance of science education as a critical weapon in national development stressing that, It should be given priority in the scheme of things. He urged the benefiting schools to ensure the judicious use of the items stressing that, the Board will ensure strict monitoring of the equipment to promote practical learning.

Speaking, the Commission of Education, Dr.Gentle Emelah, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir. Simon Peter Okene, commended the EDTF for their consistency in carrying out numerous programmes in supporting the development and advancement of education in the State. He call on the Principals of the benefiting Schools to ensure the proper use of the items to enhance effective learning outcomes

In his remarks, the Chairman, Science and Technology Education Board (STEB), Professor Zikieni Robert Yelebe, expressed his appreciation and lauded the Bayelsa State government and EDTF for their critical interventions in the educational sector stating that, the provision of the equipment will spark new ideas and innovation among students to enable them compete favourably with their counterparts in the World. He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items to serve the purpose. 

Responding on behalf of the benefiting schools, the president of All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Principal, Community Secondary School, Ogbiogbolo, Mr. Court Ogboseri, expressed his appreciation and commended the EDTF and STEB for their benevolence towards the provision of the equipment to the schools noting that, it will boost the moral of students as well as enhance the development of education in Bayelsa State. He assured their preparedness to ensure the safety and effective use of the equipment distributed to the Schools to promote practical learning