Parents, ex-students, teachers and students of Aquinas College, Akure, Ondo State were all excited when science laboratories donated to the college by MTN Foundation were inaugurated on Wednesday.
The old Chemistry, Biology and Physics laboratories of the Roman Catholic Church secondary school established in 1951 were redesigned and stocked with modern equipment.
Speaking during the inauguration of the laboratories, the Chairman of the Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi disclosed that among hundreds of applications received by the Foundation, Aquinas College and three other schools in the country were chosen.
He disclosed that the three laboratories cost the Foundation N60m to put in place.
Solar power and borehole were among other facilities put in place to make the laboratories functional and easy for use by the students.
Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi said, “What we have discovered is that the future of the nation would be developed by students who are well exposed to sciences. Science and Technology will surely rule tomorrow.
“One thing I always say is that as an individual, you must aspire to inspire before you expire. That’s what we are doing at MTN Foundation.”Retired Justice Adetuyi Olagbegi, President(Worldwide) Aquinas College Akure Old Students Association (ACAOSA) appreciated MTN Foundation for the gesture.
He said: “The generosity of MTN to the college is by parity of reasoning, a huge benefit to the Nigeria government and the nation whose constitutional responsibility it is to provide these facilities to all schools in Nigeria towards the education of its citizens.
“No other school deserves the favour of the upgrade more than Aquinas College 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.
“We applaud your corporate social responsibility hospitality.”
The Principal of the college, Mr Adebisi Jimbola, said: “We are just privileged to be the school chosen by MTN Foundation to put the gigantic project in place. It will go a long way in helping our students in all their science-based subjects.
“Our students will surely handle all the equipment with care because they know these are meant for several generations coming after them.”
Mrs Deborah Jegede, the Head of the Department (Sciences), said: “Majority of the equipment provided by the Foundation was not available in the laboratories before.
“It will make learning more effective and efficient. Students can now carry out experiments in absence of their teachers.”
One of the students disclosed that with the new equipment, they have the opportunity to understand the science practicals better.
He explained the modern equipment was easier to use than the old ones being replaced.
The Alumni Association of the college decorated the Director of MTN, Mr Denis Okoro as an honourary Aquinarian.
