Udung Uko makes case for overhauling of dilapidated science laboratories in schools
-As UBE, SUBEB commence data capturing exercise in schools in the area
The authorities of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and Universal Basic Education (UBE), have been asked to look into the decayed nature of schools science and technology laboratories for facility upgrade and revamping to enhance science and technology learning in schools across the state.
The executive chairman of Udung Uko Local Government, Hon Prince Atanang Osung, made the call on Wednesday, 17th February, 2020 in his office when officials of SUBEB and UBE visited Udung Uko for the ongoing nationwide data collection and enumeration of Secondary, Primary and Nursery Schools exercise in the area.
The Council Chairman who commended the present administration under Governor Udom Emmanuel for the huge investment made so far in the development of education sub sector of the state, urged SUBEB, UBE, which he described as the drivers of government education policy and programmes, to focus more in rehabilitating and equipping some non functional science laboratories in schools to encourage the training of science oriented students in the area.
He added that the development of science based students in Udung Uko Local Government are in short supply due to non availability of science and other technical equipped facilities that would exposed indigents students to the 21st century science related knowledge advantage and training.
Hon Prince Osung, called on the authorities to come to the aide of the effected schools in the area which are urgently in need of facilities upgrade to help strengthen the process of discovering science and technology based talents for enhanced manpower development.
The Executive Chairman, through his Chief of Staff, Noble (Barr) Christian Nyong who took the team round the schools in the area for the exercise, also observed that some of the difficulties faced by students in schools in the area was as a result of the depilated condition of the science laboratories, thereby making the practical teaching of chemistry, physics and mathematics learning difficult.
He argued that such lapes could pose for the abysmal performance of students in science related courses at the tertiary institutions.
Barr. Nyong thanked the officials for visiting and subsequently capturing the proposed Government Model Primary Schools, Edikor and Eyotai respectively for proper documentation and registration by government for the benefit of the communities.
In their separate responses, the officials of UBE and SUBEB, said Udung Uko was chosen as one of the pilot local government to kick start the Nationwide exercise within Eket Senatorial District.
Mr. King Agarime, who represented UBE, informed the leadership of the council that both the Federal and the State governments have drawn up action plans to address the challenges affecting the already identified schools and pledged to ensure that the complains captured would be sent to the appropriate authorities for swift intervention.
Also, Mr. D. O. Inyang, of SUBEB, equally promised to align with the UBE to assist the policy of Hon Prince Atanang Osung led administration in Udung Uko in partnership with the state government to upgrade education facilities in the area.
According to the Press Unit, Udung Uko Local Government Council, among the schools visited for the data capturing exercise were: Community Secondary School, Udung Uko, Methodist Central Primary School Eyosung, Government Primary School Eyotai, Apostolic Secondary School Eyotai, Bright Hope Nursery & Primary School Eyokponung, St. Vincent Secondary School Edikor and Covent Primary School Eyokponung.
