The Ogun Government says it will collaborate with the Association of Science Laboratories Technologists of Nigeria (ASLTON) to train school laboratory technicians and their assistants on professional ethics.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu , disclosed this when the ASLTON executive members paid him a courtesy call in his office on Wednesday in Abeokuta.
He explained that it was imperative for laboratory technicians to be trained and certified in order to reduce risks and hazards that might occur due to lack of professionalism.
“What we are particular about as government is to ensure that the personnel working in the laboratories are professionals.
“There should be training for laboratory attendants, technologists and assistants to reduce risk and hazards that may occur during the practical sessions for our learners,” he said.
Arigbabu revealed that the present administration had been doing a lot to re-engineer and re-structure its science, technology and technical aspects of the sector to suit world class standard.
The commissioner noted that the government would continue to support any association or groups that helped to promote educational activities in the state.
In her remark, the ASLTON Chairman, Dr Abimbola Okuneye, said the association’s mandate was to ensure effective management and administration of all science laboratories in the country.
Okuneye promised that it would collaborate with the state government to train its personnel and provide professional advice.
Similarly, the Egba Science Education Foundation led by its Chairman, Prof. Ajao Adenekan, during a courtesy visit to the commissioner promised to partner with the government through their upscale terminal science classes to improve the interest of learners in science courses.
Adenekan pointed out that the foundation had given out free tuition to at least 50 learners in the past and decided to increase the number in subsequent programme to cut across the six local government areas in the Ogun Central Senatorial District.
He said that it would pave way for more learners to benefit from the event.
In his response, the commissioner said the government was pleased with the initiative and would give the necessary support at ensuring that the programme record a success. (NAN)
