NDDC Donates Multi Million Naira Science Equipment to 46 Secondary Schools in Niger Delta

By Sylvester Idowu

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated science equipment to some selected schools in the Niger Delta region.

During the flag-off of the donation/distribution of essential science equipment to selected secondary schools in the Niger Delta Region, Effurun near Warri, Delta State, the Interim Administrator of NDDC, Mr. Effiong Akwa said the commission was donating the equipment to 46 schools across the region, adding that the goal of the commission is to facilitate effective teaching and learning of science subjects in order to stimulate and foster the interest of young minds in the study of sciences.

He said the NDDC recognises that the youths are the future leaders and key players in the regional growth strategies, adding that there should be efforts to ensure that the Niger Delta Region reaps adequate reward from its natural riches.

“The relevance of science education to our lives and its capacity to apply vital life skills to everyday activities indeed, cannot be over emphasised. That is why we must equip our laboratories with modern science equipment. That is why we must promote the teaching and learning of science subjects in schools,” he added.

Akwa pointed out that the quality of the region’s human asset is as important as the quantity of its natural resources and the riches cannot be measured by oil, gas and agriculture alone, stressing that for these natural resources to be translated into wealth, science and technology must lead the way. He said the commission has undertaken several interventions in the education sector.

He disclosed that NDDC has carried out renovation and rehabilitation of schools in all the states, as well as provision and supply of desks and benches and creating a more conducive environment for teaching and learning in the region.

Akwa highlighted several items and programmes organised by NDDC such as donation of desktop, laptop computers to schools, distribution of NDDC customized teaching and learning materials to schools, capacity building workshop for teachers, quiz competitions in secondary schools, award of scholarships, educational and research grants for high institutions, among others.

The Delta State Commissioner for Basic Education, Chief Patrick Ukah commended NDDC for the provision of the science equipment to schools in the state, promising that the equipment would be properly utilised for the development of science and technology in the state.

The commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Ogoro Augustine, said the equipment would enhance the development of science and technology in the region.