Oriental Energy Donates Science Laboratory to Akwa Ibom School

By Peter Uzoho

Oriental Energy Resources Limited, an indigenous oil exploration and production company in Nigeria, has donated a state-of-the-art Science Laboratory Complex to the Community Grammar School, Ebughu, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The complex donated by the company consists of Biology, Chemistry and Physics laboratories including teachers’ offices, toilet facilities and fittings, gas cylinders and fire extinguishers.

Others included laboratory furniture such as stools for students, teachers’ desks and chairs, white boards, shelves and storage facilities for reagents and chemicals.

Also included are the West African Examination Council (WAEC) standard equipment together with different types of reagents/chemicals for Biology, Chemistry and Physics practicals.

Electricity supply within the laboratory building complex was also made possible by a solar-powered system and inverter, which also pumps water from the borehole to the overhead tanks and solar water heating system.

The Corporate Communications Manager of the company, Sam Umukoro, quoted the Managing Director of Oriental Energy Resources, Mr. Ignatius Ifelayo, to have said at the inauguration and handover ceremony held recently that the facility was a demonstration of the company’s commitment to education and human capital development in the state.

Ifelayo also said that the gesture was evidence of the company’s long-term dedication to human capital development in Akwa Ibom State.

He said: “It is now very clear that most jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of mathematics and science.

“At the same time, recent developments around the world point to the fact that scientific and technological innovations are becoming increasingly important in the 21st century.

“Therefore, in preparing our children for the future, we need to provide them with a conducive learning environment, where they can lay a good foundation, especially through the study of biology, chemistry, and physics.

“This is the main reason why we embarked on the science laboratory project at Community Grammar School, Ebughu, Mbo LGA, Akwa Ibom State”.

According to him “It is our hope that the judicious use of the laboratory complex for teaching and learning will lead to better academic outcomes for students registered for examinations in the core science subjects of biology, chemistry and physics.” the managing director added.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, commended Oriental Energy Resources for embarking on the science laboratory project.

“Oriental Energy Resources partnering with the state government to promote education should be a challenge to other multinational companies, NGOs and individuals to join hands and build up the sector”, she said.

Also, the state Commissioner for Power and Petroleum Development, Dr John James Etim, lauded the company “for being a good corporate citizen by keeping to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in providing people-oriented projects in the State.”