The MTN Foundation, through its Science & Technology Laboratory Project, inaugurated seven fully equipped laboratories at Government Day Science Secondary School (GDSSS), Gombe, on Tuesday, aimed at enhancing science and technology education among students.
According to PUNCH Online, the new facilities include two Chemistry labs, two Biology labs, two Physics labs, and one Agricultural Science lab.
Principal of GDSSS, Abdulhakim Mudansir, lauded the initiative, expressing gratitude to MTN for prioritizing the education of Gombe’s youth.
“This laboratory will serve as the much needed catalyst for development.
We want to thank MTN for investing in the future of young minds,” Mudansir remarked.
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, represented by the Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Abdullahi Bappa, commended MTN Foundation for the significant contribution, noting that the laboratories align with his administration’s efforts to improve education quality in the state.
“We thank MTN Nigeria for choosing Government Day Science Secondary School.
This is one of our best schools, and we believe that this partnership will help to promote science development in the state, in line with our administration’s commitment to revamping education,” said Yahaya.
He also assured MTN that the state would protect the donated equipment, stating, “We will safeguard the laboratories to ensure that the equipment remains intact.”
Commissioner for Education, Dr. Aishatu Maigari, emphasized the transformative potential of the donation, noting that the partnership would greatly influence the future of education in Gombe.
“MTN has shown the meaning of doing creates the future; we are open to more of such partnerships.
This laboratory will go a long way in shaping the minds of future doctors, pharmacists, engineers, and others,” Maigari said.
Hamza Ibrahim, Senior Manager of MTN Nigeria, explained that the MTNF Science & Technology Laboratory Project is focused on renovating and equipping science labs while training teachers and lab attendants to enhance the learning experience in key science.
He highlighted that Phase Three of the project, completed between 2023 and 2024, involved the renovation of 28 labs across six schools in six states.
“In the previous phases, laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology were renovated.
In this phase, Agricultural Science labs have also been included,” Ibrahim said.
He further noted that over the past three years, MTN has invested over ₦2 billion in renovating 102 science labs in 32 schools across 15 states, as part of its commitment to empowering youth and promoting academic excellence.
With this initiative, MTN Foundation continues to support Nigeria’s educational sector, providing students with the resources they need to achieve their academic goals and shape a brighter future.