MTN Foundation on Thursday, January 12, 2023, officially commissioned the newly-renovated science laboratory at Government Secondary School, Owerri.
The project, which is part of the second phase of the Foundation’s Science and Technology Laboratory initiative, was designed to improve the teaching standards and learning outcomes of science subjects in public secondary schools.
Before MTN foundation intervention , Government Secondary School science students usually go to other schools to have their practical due to dilapidated Science Laboratories and obsolete equipment.
Worried by this ugly development the Old Boys Association of the School through Kenneth Orji and Dr.Joseph Nnorom the former National President of the association sought the intervention of the MTN Foundation so the School which used to be a citadel of learning can return to its lost glory.
In his remarks the National President of the Old Boys Association Dr. Etofolam Osuji thanked MTN foundation for finding their alma mater worthy to be among the four schools in Nigeria for such a great project which he described as a wonderful thing.
He said he is happy it is happening now that he is the National President.
He commended MTN foundation for bringing to an end the era of Alternative to Practicals by helping the School get laboratories befitting the status of the school .
Dr. Osuji further to commend MTN for maintaining leadership status in Nigeria and prayed that the relationship would continue. Just like Oliver Twist, the National President told MTN that the school still need more of their services.
In his own remarks the Director of MTN foundation Mr. Dennis Okoro commended the Old Boys for the passion they have for their alma mater.
He said the school was among the four schools selected in the country. According to the Director many schools submitted expression of interest but only four met the selection criteria and Government Secondary School Owerri was the first to be commissioned.
Mr Okoro pleaded for sustainability of the project.
Also speaking the Executive Secretary of MTN foundation Odunayo Sanya said the project is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
She thanked the Old Boys for making their work easy and commended the school for opening up their community to MTN. She said with the remodeled Science Laboratories the work of the teachers have been made easy.
The Executive Secretary congratulated the students in advance because she said with the remodeled laboratories it will help them produce the best result in Science.
The Royal father of the day HRM Eze Dr. T.A. Obiefule the traditional of Umudioka Orlu who represented the Chairman of Imo Traditional Rulers HRM Eze Dr. E.C Okeke commended MTN foundation for choosing Imo state for such a laudable project.
He said the traditional rulers are happy with MTN and prayed God to continue to bless them.
In her own response the Executive Secretary Secondary Education Management Board ( SEMB) Dr. Thecia Adaugo Nwanebo appealed to the teachers and students to make good use of the laboratories .Dr Nwanebo said the Education board is expecting the students to lead in Sciences now they have modern laboratories.
The Commissioner for Education Prof. John Cliff Nwadike who represented the State Govenor Sen.Hope Uzodinma did the cutting of the tape to officially commission the laboratories for use.
The Commissioner thanked MTN foundation for choosing Imo state among the four states selected.
He appealed to them to extend such to other schools in the state so they can also benefit.
He promised that the state government will provide security to protect the environment so theives will not have access to the laboratories.
During the tour of the laboratories ( Physics, Chemistry and Biology) the students performed experiments in the three subjects to showcase their abilities. The excited students commended MTN foundation for giving them modern laboratories and promised to take care of them.
They said it will surely assist them greatly in their studies.Mrs Okemezie Sandra and Mrs Mokwe Esther Chemistry and Physics teacher respectively on behalf of other teachers commended MTN foundation for giving them standard laboratories. They said it has made their work easier and promised to make good use of them to impact knowledge to the students.
They appealed for staff training to enhance their performances.
In his vote of thanks the Principal Mr. Chukwujindu Anyikwa who is also an old boy of the school thanked MTN and the Old Boys for such great project. He prayed God to bless them immensely.
The school cultural dance group "Gbogbo " added colour to the event with their wonderful performance to the delight everyone.
Some of the old boys who attended the Commisioning and handover apart from the National President were: Kenneth Orji the initiator of the project, Barr Charles Asugha the former National President, Dr. Chibuike Nwachukwu the 2nd Vice National President, Mr. Augustine Uzoho the National Secretary, Mr.Basil Ukwuije the National Treasurer, Sir. Amachi Chinweuba the 1st Assistant National Secretary, Comrade Destiny Akunesi the 2nd Assistant National Secretary, Hon. Lambert Nnodi the Owerri branch Chairman, Chief Sir Dandson Uzoagba the Enugu branch Chairman, Mr. Chinedu Mbajiuka Financial Secretary Umuahia branch, and representives of various class sets.
The two former Principals of the School Rev. Jamike Ekeh and Mr. Mba Okwara were also in attendance.At the end of the Commissioning MTN foundation donated school bags and exercise books to the students.They also gave free sim cards to the Old Boys, Staff and Students of the school.
The Commissioning of the Ultra Modern Science Laboratories had in attendance representatives of the State Government, the Ministry of Education, Secondary Education Management Board, the Old Boys of the school, representatives of MTN foundation, traditional rulers, the Principals, Staff and Students of the school.
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