By VICTOR NWACHUKWU
OWERRI- Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has lauded telecommunication giant, MTN Nigeria for investing in education through the remodeling of science laboratories in the state.
Uzodimma gave the commendation in Owerri, on Thursday, when he officially inaugurated science laboratories in Government Secondary School, Owerri, which were remodeled by the MTN Foundation (MTNF).
The governor, who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. JohnCliff Nwadike, said that the project which included chemistry, biology and physics laboratories, would encourage the students to enhance their knowledge on science, technology and innovation.
He added that the provision of laboratories would in turn equip students to become employable upon graduation and in turn, make them wealth creators to promote socio-economic development, peace, comfort and security.
He pledged his administration’s readiness to continuously partner with MTNF and commended the Foundation for effectively carrying out its corporate social responsibilities toward 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 in one way or the other,” he said.
He however, charged science teachers in the state to embrace digital technology to enable them impart sound technological skills in the students.
He also encouraged the students to be focused on their academic activities and assured MTNF of his readiness to sustain and maintain the laboratories in schools.
He thanked the Old Boys of Government Secondary School Owerri for attracting MTN to the school and pledged government’s continued support for improved affordable, quality and digital/technology education.
Earlier in an address, Director of MTNF, Mr. Dennis Okoro, said that the Foundation saw the need for technological education hence the decision to remodel the science laboratories in the school, as part of its corporate social responsibilities to the society.
Okoro, who said that it was the second phase of the project, added that MTN had been executing other laudable projects across the country to add to her socio-economic advancement with a view to reducing poverty, hunger, suffering, crime and violence.
Speaking, Executive Secretary of MTN, Odunayo Sanya, noted that the organisation had previously installed a solar powered borehole at the school where teachers and students could source potable water.
” More than 2000 communities and over 30 million people in Nigeria have benefited from MTN projects and we are committed to do more, giving back to the society,” he said.
Also speaking, the National President of Government Secondary School Old Boys Association, Dr. Etofelam Osuji, promised that the Old Boys would continue to help the state government achieve more academic excellence for the school.
He thanked MTNF for the project which he said would ease practical education and enhance learning.
Also, Principal of the school, Mr. Anyika Chukwujindu eulogized MTN for maintaining its corporate social responsibility to the society and pledged readiness to maintain the facility. (NAN)
