The MTN Foundation Science & Technology Laboratory Project has inaugurated seven newly equipped laboratories at Government Day Science Secondary School (GDSSS) in Gombe, aimed at enhancing technological and scientific education among students. The facilities include two dedicated rooms each for Chemistry and Biology, two Physics rooms, and an Agricultural Science room. This initiative underscores MTN’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure in Nigeria and fostering innovation among schoolchildren, particularly in the sciences.
The Principal of GDSSS, Abdulhakim Mudansir, expressed gratitude to MTN for their investment in the education of students in Gombe. He emphasized that the laboratories would act as vital catalysts for development, positioning the school to better prepare students for future academic and professional opportunities. The commitment from MTN to invest in local education was lauded as an essential decision that would inspire young minds and transform the current educational landscape.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, represented by Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Abdullahi Bappa, also praised the initiative, highlighting the potential of the laboratories to significantly enhance the quality of education in the region. Yahaya expressed confidence in GDSSS as one of the best schools in the state and asserted that the partnership would promote scientific development, aligning with the administration’s goals to revamp and uplift the educational sector. The assurance from the governor included a pledge to safeguard the laboratories from vandalism, ensuring that the vital resources remain intact for student usage.
Commissioner for Education, Dr. Aishatu Maigari, reinforced the positive impact of the donation, stating that it will be transformative for the future of education in Gombe. She acknowledged MTN’s contributions as a model of corporate responsibility and indicated an openness to future collaborations with the foundation, expressing how the laboratories will play a role in shaping the careers of future professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, and engineers. This sentiment reflects a broader acknowledgment of the importance of partnerships between the private sector and educational institutions in Nigeria.
Hamza Ibrahim, MTN’s Senior Manager, elaborated on the scope of the MTNF Science & Technology Laboratory Project, which aims to renovate and properly equip science laboratories while also providing necessary training for teachers and lab attendants to enhance the educational experience in key science subjects. The current phase of the project, which is the third, represents a significant investment in public secondary education across Nigeria, with six schools receiving 28 renovated laboratories as part of this initiative.
This latest phase of the project follows two previous phases that focused on the comprehensive remodeling of science laboratories in various secondary schools. Since its inception, MTNF has allocated over N2 billion towards renovating 102 laboratories in 32 schools across 15 states, demonstrating a sustained commitment to uplifting educational quality. By encouraging students to envision their futures and providing the tools to pursue their dreams, MTN aims to facilitate academic excellence and empower the youth of Nigeria. Through this initiative, the foundation not only supports immediate educational needs but also contributes to long-term societal growth and development.
