REVAMPING SCIENCE LABORATORIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA.

REVAMPING SCIENCE LABORATORIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA.
BY
UREME O. SAMUEL

Laboratory technology is the hub of science throughout the modern world. It provides data which are critical raw materials for policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The development in today’s world is as a result of cutting-edge researches conducted by scientists in various fields of human Endeavour. That is why science and technology have become vital factors for economic and social development around the world. The best demonstration of this fact can be found among the Asian countries popularly referred to as ASIAN TIGERS. THESE COUNTRIES WHICH INCLUDE Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan HAVE very little natural resources but have BECOME vibrant economies through the application of science and technology. NO DOUBT, The systematic utilization and application of science and technology has improved the living standard of people and generally makes life better. IT HAS INDEED CHANGED THE FACE OF THE WORLD.
AND the three key areas of Energy, Communications and Transportation HAVE BECOME THE BENCHMARK FOR MEASURING a COUNTRY’S LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT. THESE ARE AREAS WHICH DEMAND EXPERTISE IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. It is for this reason that governments all over the world pursue scientific development as a national policy. The strategic plan for science development spans across the educational spectrum from primary to tertiary. The secondary school is a fertile ground to plant the “mustard seed” of science. The educational system left behind by British Colonial Masters captured Laboratory experiments as a key element of science education. This informed the construction of infrastructures to facilitate laboratory based science courses mainly Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. IN THOSE GOOD OLD DAYS Necessary facilities like reagents and chemicals as well as consumables were provided. The schools that were run by missionaries of the post independence era were exquisite in laboratory consciousness. Auxiliary laboratory staff were employed and trained to organize laboratory experiment for students under the supervision of science teachers.
This accounted for high interest in science based careers by students. Some of the current top science academics in the nation’s tertiary institution are products of that system AND ERA. Secondary School Programmes are the building blocks of Universities, Polytechnics and Monotechnics. When a solid foundation in sciences is laid at that level, it will find expression in tertiary institutions and the country will be better for it. Currently, Nigerian Universities are struggling to rank appreciably among Universities in the world. If this is to become a reality a deliberate policy of equipping and revamping science laboratories in secondary schools must be pursued to facilitate THE development OF SCIENCE right from that level, particularly in rural areas where the laboratories exist only in name without the required facilities. As things stands now Laboratory experiments are sparsely conducted warranting only demonstrations and tutorials. In some cases during examinations, alternative to practical’s are adopted to fill the gap. This is unwholesome for the development of critical thinking and cognitive orientation of candidates.

Political manifestos of political parties in the country have always contained educational components, but unfortunately the situation has remained abysmal and out of tune with global demands as encapsulated in millennium development goals. However, Science Laboratories must be seen as a pillar of educational development that deserves targeted AND SUSTAINED funding. Many years ago, Nigeria boosted of scientists like Eni Njoku and Grillo Oshuntokun among others. BUT TODAY WHERE ARE THEY? WHO ARE THE YOUNGER ONES IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS? And records showed that IT WAS the secondary schools they attended planted the seed of laboratory research in them, which was later incubated and hatched in Universities. They were therefore celebrated in the world of science even beyond the borders of Nigeria. The truth is that without quality laboratory equipments in secondary schools, our tertiary institutions will always produce science graduates that are not grounded. No wonder we have many Engineers who cannot make any Engine. WE MUST realize that it is difficult to get the best result from poor facilities. This is why laboratory facilities in our schools must be revamped.
Nations that do not work towards science developments will no doubt remain under the chains of scientific imperialism. Nigeria should start developing science from secondary schools with emphases on the laboratories. This is a sure way to national development.


Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary