Queens College, Lagos has received six refurbished science laboratories from the MTN Foundation. The laboratories were handed over on Wednesday June 21, 2023 at the school’s premises.

The donation, which includes two chemistry, physics and biology laboratories is part of the MTN Foundation’s Science and Technology Laboratory initiative, which includes the renovation of existing laboratory rooms, installation of laboratory furniture, supply of laboratory equipment and consumables, installation of solar-powered borehole and alternative power solution, and training of science teachers and laboratory attendants across secondary schools in Nigeria.

Speaking at the commissioning in Lagos, the State Governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology, Ibilola Kasunmu, commended the Foundation’s commitment to partner with the government on improving education within the state. “I am honored to commission the MTN Foundation Science Laboratories project, the project will provide a platform for young science and technology enthusiasts to hone their skills, aspire and achieve excellence. As a government our third pillar is education and technology which we believe we have dedicated and able partnership with organisations like MTN to achieve the 21st century status that is self-sufficient, innovative, creative and tech-savvy.

In order for us to build the Lagos of our dreams, MTN has been with us throughout the journey, and the company continues to trailblaze a modern communication technology like the 5G which they launched last year. As we commission the laboratories today, I want to enjoin all stakeholders to see this project as their own and ensure that all will benefit from it. Too the students who will make use of these facilities, I want to encourage you all to aspire for the greatest you can be. Once again, I want to thank the MTN Foundation for this initiative, and we look forward to more collaborations with Lagos state government schools in future.”

In his remarks, the Chairman, MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (OFR) mni, highlighted that the MTN Foundation is dedicated to community development, he said “I can tell you that the MTN Foundation is easily one of the most effective Foundations in this country. The Foundation started in 2005, and till date, we have spent over 20 billion naira on education, health, Economic empowerment and that’s why we say, ‘What Are We Doing Today’. Every day, something somewhere is happening, supported by the MTN Foundation.

For each school that we choose, there are hundreds of other schools that are eagerly waiting to participate and benefit from this initiative, however, the four schools that emerged were selected in recognition of set criteria. Therefore, my challenge today is that you monitor, evaluate and sustain the integrity of the equipment in these places. If that is done, you can trust us at the MTN Foundation to continue to work with you. I can tell you we appreciate the contribution of the authorities of the school, government, and the alumni and we look forward to continued collaboration” he stated.

Principal, Queens College Lagos, Mrs Adetutu Obabori, commended MTN for maintaining its corporate social responsibility to the society and pledged readiness to maintain the facility. “Thank you MTN Foundation for your contribution towards the renovation of our laboratories, your commitment to education and community development is truly remarkable. We are immensely grateful for your ongoing partnership, and I pledge to continue my efforts to cultivating a learning environment that fosters innovation, discovery and excellence,” she said.

Three other schools – Government Secondary School Owerri, St. Aquinas College Akure, and St. Augustine college Ibusa, Delta state – also received a full renovation and refurbishment of their chemistry, physics and biology science laboratories. MTN Foundation, through the Science and Technology Laboratory Project, has continuously assessed the need to strengthen academic performances in public secondary schools by improving learning outcomes of key science subjects.

Currently in its second phase, the Foundation has renovated science laboratories in 22 schools across several states in Nigeria including Lagos, Abuja, Edo, Kwara, Katsina, Bauchi and Abia.