Kwara: Lawmakers call for more science teachers, laboratories in schools
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The Kwara State House of Assembly has urged the state governor to direct the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to prioritize the recruitment of more science teachers and implement capacity-building programs to enhance the effective utilization of new facilities and modern equipment, thereby improving students’ learning experiences.
The lawmakers also called for the construction of well-equipped science laboratories in senior secondary schools across Kwara State, emphasizing the need for modern facilities and apparatus to foster practical and hands-on learning.
This appeal was made during Wednesday’s plenary session through a motion titled “The Need to Construct More Science Laboratories and Equip Existing Ones in Senior Secondary Schools in Kwara State (KWHAM 30).” The motion was moved by Hon. Mohammed Baba Salihu (Okuta/Yashikira Constituency) and seconded by Hon. Babatunde Ayi Olatundun (Ilorin North/West Constituency).
Leading the debate, Hon. Salihu highlighted the importance of science education, describing it as a systematic method of acquiring knowledge through practical experimentation and hands-on activities in well-equipped laboratories.
He stressed that such an approach fosters a deep understanding of scientific concepts, promotes innovation, and drives technological advancement in society.
He explained that laboratory teaching provides first-hand experience in experimentation, observation, and hypothesis testing, all of which nurture scientific inquiry while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Hon. Salihu further noted that early exposure to laboratory work builds interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers, enhances theoretical knowledge, and encourages students to adopt an exploratory mindset, ultimately unlocking their cognitive potential.
However, he lamented that the science laboratories in most senior secondary schools in Kwara State are poorly equipped, with many still reliant on obsolete items that are incompatible with modern scientific and technological realities.
Hon. Salihu acknowledged the efforts of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON in investing significantly in the education sector.
He praised the administration’s strides in constructing classrooms and equipping them with modern facilities across the three senatorial districts, which have contributed to the state’s remarkable progress in education.
The Assembly urged the governor to direct the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current state of science laboratories in senior secondary schools across the state. This assessment would form the basis for budgetary provisions to refurbish and modernize the laboratories for optimal productivity.
Lawmakers who contributed to the debate included Hon. Oba Abdulkadir Magaji (Ilorin Central), Hon. Ganiyu Folabi Salahu (Omupo), Hon. Bamigboye Joseph Olajire (Oke-Ero), Hon. Bello Yunusa Oniboki (Afon), Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon (Edu), and Hon. Abdullahi Halidu Danbaba (Kaiama/Kemanji/Wajibe).
