The member representing Enugu North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chimaobi Atu, has taken a significant step toward transforming science education in his constituency with the unveiling of three fully equipped mobile smart science laboratories in public secondary schools.
The laboratories were installed at Comprehensive Secondary School, Akwuke; Community Secondary School, Ugwuaji; and Day Secondary School, Independence Layout, Enugu.
The initiative, launched between Tuesday and Wednesday, aims to bridge the wide educational gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects by offering students practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremonies, Rep. Atu revealed that the project was inspired by what he described as a disheartening discovery during his visits to public schools in the area.
He noted that many of the existing science laboratories were either in poor condition or completely nonexistent, making effective science education nearly impossible.
According to Atu, the new mobile smart laboratories are capable of facilitating over 220 major science experiments in line with the current Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) curriculum.
He explained that this initiative marks the beginning of a broader intervention, stating that the three schools are only part of a pilot phase, with plans underway to extend the innovation to all 24 public secondary schools in his constituency.
He stressed the importance of equipping the next generation with the tools and knowledge needed to compete globally, adding that “our children deserve the best because they are among the most intelligent creations of God.”
The launch was met with widespread praise from educators, students, and community leaders.
The Principal of Comprehensive Secondary School, Akwuke, Mrs. Stella Ogbonnia, described the gesture as unprecedented and commended the lawmaker for his commitment to education.
She said the mobile laboratories would inspire more students to take interest in science subjects.
Science teachers also expressed enthusiasm about the impact the project would have on teaching and learning.
Mrs. Nneoma Okoro, a science teacher at Community Secondary School, Ugwuaji, said the mobile lab would transform the learning environment by enabling students to engage in real experiments, making lessons more interactive and effective.
Students themselves were visibly excited about the new facilities. Emeka Onyeji, a student at Day Secondary School, Independence Layout, expressed gratitude, saying the mobile laboratory would allow him to explore his passion for science in a more engaging way.
Another student, Chiamaka Nwosu of Comprehensive Secondary School, Akwuke, noted that the new labs would help her better understand difficult science concepts by allowing her to visualize and experiment with them directly.
The Senior Prefects of the three schools also voiced appreciation for Rep. Atu’s initiative. Collins Okoro, Senior Prefect of Community Secondary School, Ugwuaji, said the laboratories would have a lasting positive impact on students’ academic performance and career prospects.
In a show of community support, the Traditional Ruler of Akwuke Uwani Community, Igwe C.A. Ekwomchi, commended Rep. Atu and promised that the community would take full responsibility for protecting and maintaining the laboratories.
He emphasized the importance of such investments in the future of their children and assured that the resources would be preserved for maximum benefit.
Rep. Atu’s intervention has been widely acknowledged as a transformative effort in promoting science education and empowering the youth of Enugu North/South Federal Constituency.
His initiative is expected to serve as a model for similar educational reforms across the country.
