OGSG/OGSTEP STRENGHTEN SCIENCE EDUCATION WITH SAFETY CONSCIOUS LABORATORY TRAINING
With the aim of ensuring a safe, effective and sustainable utilisation of rehabilitated laboratory equipment and chemicals provided for 21 selected State Secondary schools and Technical Colleges, the State government, through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), a World Bank supported initiative, has organised a day capacity-building training for Heads of Science Departments in Technical Colleges and Senior Secondary Schools across the State.
Delivering her goodwill message during the training at Abeokuta, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, (MOEST) Mrs. Mariam Oloko, noted that it had been the mission of the Ogun State Government to align with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) standards, a goal which could only be achieved through the commitment and alertness of educators, commending the organisers for initiating the timely and impactful training.
She added that the programme was organised to guard against laboratory hazards, stressing the importance of safety consciousness in science teaching and learning, urging participants to take the training seriously.
Oloko revealed that over 2,000 classrooms in secondary schools and technical colleges across Ogun state had been rehabilitated, alongside other critical infrastructure upgrades, applauding the present administration for prioritising the education sector.
In her remarks, Acting Executive Secretary of OGSTVEB, Mrs. Mojisola Adenowo, expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary for her strong charge and support towards the programme, commending the organisers and facilitators for their commitment to improve science education in the State.
Earlier, Director, Science and Technology, MOEST, Mrs. Edun Abosede, said the ongoing rehabilitation of laboratories in selected secondary schools and technical colleges in the State would significantly enhance practical learning and inspire more students to enroll in science-related subjects.
She noted that the training was designed to equip educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to maintain laboratory safety standards, thereby ensuring a conducive learning environment for both learners and teachers, emphasising that sustained safety practices in laboratories would promote longevity of the facilities and foster a culture of responsibility among science educators.
During the training, a Safeguard Specialist, OGSTEP, Mr. Oyekunle Oyewole, spoke extensively on laboratory safety, emphasising proper chemical storage to prevent hazards, hammering on the need for clearly marked emergency exit and evacuation signs, adequate ventilation for a safe working environment and the importance of having an easily accessible first aid box with a designated officer to ensure prompt response to emergencies and protect both students and teachers.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Head of Department, Sciences, Government Technical College, Aiyetoro, Mr. Aondoukau Daniel, expressed appreciation to the organisers, stating that the training was highly impactful and enlightening, as it provided practical insights that would strengthen laboratory management, promote safety consciousness and enhance the overall effectiveness of science instruction in their respective schools.
The training featured practical sessions and expert-led discussions on laboratory safety, equipment handling and chemical management, reinforcing the state’s commitment to quality and safe science education in Ogun State.
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