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Tag: Igbuzor

  • St. Aquinas College, Akure receives boost from MTN Foundation

    St. Aquinas College, Akure receives boost from MTN Foundation

    On Wednesday, February 8th, 2023, St. Aquinas College, Akure, received a major boost following the handover and commissioning of three fully furnished science and technology laboratories from the MTN Foundation. In attendance were the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olufemi Agagu who represented the state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Special Adviser on Education to the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Wunmi Ilawole, amongst other notable dignitaries.

    Representing the Governor of Ondo State, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olufemi Agagu thanked the MTN Foundation for being a pacesetter with the upgraded laboratories, which are critical to the growth of science and engineering. “The import of the ceremony today is about the future of the students here and future generations of Aquinas College and all our students in general and its impact on science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Agagu said.

    In his remarks at the commissioning, Chairman, MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, OFR, mni said: â€śThe importance of education and technology in the development of our nation cannot be overstated.  Science and Technology play an important role in promoting economies of advanced countries hence the decision by the Foundation to commit huge resources in projects that advance science and technology in the country.’’

    Commenting on MTN Foundation’s support, the  worldwide President, Aquinas College, Akure Old Students Association (ACAOSA), Emeritus Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, thanked MTN for the intervention because the capacity of the school’s laboratories has been stretched enormously due to the increasing number of students, which has necessitated minimal refurbishments in the past. “However, no refurbishment in equipment, materials, specimens or aesthetics has come anywhere near the wholesale upgrading that been generously affected by the MTN Foundation multimillion naira exercise… and no other school deserves the favour of the upgrade more than ACA whether from the point of view of its historic academic excellence in the sciences and arts or from the point of view of the huge number of ultimate beneficiaries – 2,800, which makes the investment exceedingly valuable as they will serve a high number of students.”

    The intervention by the MTN Foundation include renovation of existing laboratory rooms; installation of laboratory furniture; supply of laboratory equipment & consumables, and installation of solar-powered borehole and alternative power solution.

    Earlier in the year, Government Secondary School Owerri also received a full renovation of their chemistry, physics and biology science laboratories. Following a set criterion for the nomination, two other public secondary schools are set to benefit from this project: St Augustine College, Igbuzor, Delta state and Queens College, Lagos. In addition, the MTN Foundation is also undertaking the training of science teachers and laboratory attendants in all selected schools.

    MTNF Science & Technology Laboratory Project, an initiative of the MTN Foundation, was conceived to strengthen science and technology education through the remodelling of science laboratories in public secondary schools. Currently in its second phase, the Foundation through the initiative has successfully implemented various projects across over seven public schools across Nigeria.

  • MTN Foundation Revamps 15 School Laboratories, Commissions Three In Government Secondary School Owerri

    MTN Foundation Revamps 15 School Laboratories, Commissions Three In Government Secondary School Owerri

    MTN Foundation on Thursday, January 12, 2023, officially commissioned the newly-renovated science laboratory at Government Secondary School, Owerri. The project, which is part of the second phase of the Foundation’s Science and Technology Laboratory initiative, is designed to improve the teaching standards and learning outcomes of science subjects in public secondary schools. 

    Following a set criteria for the nomination, four secondary schools (Government Secondary School Owerri; St Augustine College, Igbuzor; St. Aquinas College, Akure and Queens College, Lagos) emerged as recipients for the second phase of the Science and Technology Laboratory initiative. Each school received full renovation of their Chemistry, Physics and Biology science laboratories including; installation of laboratory furniture, solar-powered borehole and alternative power solution, supply of laboratory equipment and consumables and training of laboratory staff.


    Speaking at the commissioning in Owerri, Executive Governor, Imo state, Hope Uzodinma, represented at the event by the Imo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. JohnCliff Nwadike, said that the science laboratories, would encourage the students to enhance their knowledge on science, technology and innovation. He also commended the Foundation for effectively carrying out  its corporate social responsibilities to the people. “The laudable zest with which MTN carries out its corporate social responsibility is clear for all to see. This administration remains committed to quality education at all levels, hence our readiness to support MTNF and other stakeholders who take the initiative to encourage us “ he said. 

    Also speaking at the commissioning, Director, MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro stated that the Foundation is committed to supporting government effort in the area of education. “The MTN Foundation has over the years been complementing Government’s efforts around youth development through the deployment of relevant initiatives. The Science and Technology Laboratory Project is one of such initiatives, where we have identified the need to improve science and technology education, through the remodelling and upgrading of science laboratories in public secondary schools”  he added.

    In the past, the MTN Foundation has renovated science laboratories in 22 schools across several states in Nigeria including; Lagos, Abuja, Edo, Kwara, Katsina, Bauchi and Abia.