Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia on Wednesday said the state government had concluded arrangements to employ 90 science teachers before the end of the year.

The governor made this known during interactive session with students in the state at the Micheal Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.

He said the move was part of the state government’s efforts to boost science education in Abia.

He added that “the issue of dearth of science teachers in secondary schools has been of great concern and the state government has approved a waiver to facilitate the employment of 90 science teachers.

“We are also going to set up three mobile laboratories and will assign one laboratory to each federal constituency in the state. This is a measure to encourage science-based students.

“Education is nothing if it cannot illuminate your mind, thoughts and thinking process, and the state government is poised to encourage productivity in the education sector.”

The governor said that the Abia Government would partner with Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to provide tablet computers for students to enhance Information Communication Technology learning.

He explained that the curriculum of each student would be uploaded to the device to encourage hard work and adequate study of school work among students.

Ikpeazu said that achieving infrastructure development in schools was not the sole responsibility of state government and called for cooperation from stakeholders.

He announced that the state government had instituted fiscal measures in resources management, and urged students to make positive contributions toward the growth of the state.

Mrs Chinememma Umeseaka, the Special Adviser to Abia Governor on Teenage Matters, expressed delight over the opportunity granted the students to interact with the governor and other policymakers.

Umeseaka urged Abia students to utilise the opportunity wisely by asking the governor intelligent questions as well as offer positive contributions on the way to move the state forward.

Mr Chris Ejikonye, a resource person, said it was essential for teenagers to learn how to utilise their money by investing in worthwhile ventures.

Ejikonye advised the students to imbibe the culture of saving their money, adding that self-discipline was an important factor in saving.

Master Ifeanyi Kalu, a student, expressed satisfaction over the manner the programme was organised, which he said provided the students a platform to be heard and seen.

Another student, Miss Ruth Okwara, said the interactive session was a welcome development and appealed that it be sustained. (NAN)

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