Oyo Govt Boosts Science Education as ETF Distributes Equipment to 99 Public Schools
As part of ongoing efforts to improve the standard of education in the state, the Oyo State Government has strengthened the activities of the Education Trust Fund (ETF) to drive quality education through resource mobilization, improved infrastructure, enhanced learning environments, and capacity building for teachers and students.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, disclosed this during the symbolic distribution of science equipment and materials to selected public secondary schools across all Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Oyo State.
The event was held on Friday at the ETF Office, Onireke, Ibadan. Speaking on behalf of the State Governor, Hon. Olayiwola commended principals, teachers, and students for securing third place nationwide in the last NECO examination. He attributed the achievement to the state’s investment in education, particularly the recent recruitment of more than 16,000 teachers. He encouraged them to sustain the momentum and remain committed, expressing optimism that Oyo State could achieve first position in upcoming examinations conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in 2026. The Commissioner noted that the initiative by the ETF is aimed at bridging the gap between theory and practical learning in science subjects, thereby stimulating students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). According to him, the intervention will promote equity and equal opportunities for students regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds, while also empowering teachers to effectively demonstrate scientific principles. He added that the provision of modern science equipment would make lessons more engaging and interactive, enhance practical learning, improve comprehension and retention, and ultimately lead to better performance in both internal and external examinations. Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Oyo State Education Trust Fund, Barr. Rahman Abdu-Raheem, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to complementing government efforts in improving educational standards through resource mobilization, infrastructure development, and the provision of learning materials to public schools. He stated that the Fund has recorded significant achievements in the construction and renovation of classrooms, creating safer and more conducive learning environments for students, as well as the provision of durable school furniture to improve comfort and orderliness in classrooms. Barr. Abdu-Raheem also appreciated the state government’s strong commitment to consistent educational development, noting that the interventions were made possible through the unwavering support of the government. He further revealed that the Fund plans to implement additional interventions in phases, including the supply of science materials to more public schools, partnerships with sister agencies for the renovation of existing vocational training facilities to engage youths meaningfully, and capacity-building programmes for teachers and students. In their goodwill messages, the President of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Chairman of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) jointly commended the state government for its numerous initiatives aimed at advancing education in Oyo State. A total of 99 schools were selected for the first phase of the distribution. Some of the science materials distributed include pivot, metre rule, conical flask, silver nitrate, formalin, copper sulphate, thermometer, funnel, and sodium hydroxide, among others.