Women in Chemistry Decry Poor State of Science Laboratories in Schools

Women in Chemistry (WIC) have expressed concern over the poor state of science laboratories in many Nigerian schools, calling for urgent intervention to improve learning conditions.
The WIC Coordinator, Dr Sarah Nwinee, raised the concern during the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) 2026 Global Women’s Breakfast yesterday in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta.
The annual event, organised by WIC under the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), brought together women chemists, educators, professionals and students to celebrate achievements in chemistry and promote collaboration.
The theme of the programme was: “Many Voices, One Science.”
Nwinee appealed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and other relevant agencies to prioritise education by equipping schools with functional science laboratories.
She said that poor learning environment was discouraging young girls from pursuing and excelling in chemistry and other science related subjects.
“Science is often studied in an environment that is not conducive to effective learning, thereby discouraging many students from excelling in chemistry and other science related subjects.
“The science laboratories in our schools are very poor. I therefore appeal to the NDDC, NEDC and other relevant agencies to adequately equip and make them functional,” she said.
In her keynote address, Dr Mariefel Olarte stressed the need for scientists to uphold transparency and competence in their work.
She likened life to riding a bicycle, noting that maintaining balance required constant movement, and emphasised the importance of independence in scientific practice.
In a paper presentation titled: “Enhancing the Contribution of Chemists to Sustainable Oil and Gas Development’’, Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Mr Simon Seaton, noted the importance of chemistry to the industry.
Seaton underscored the need to integrate chemistry more effectively into oil and gas production processes to promote sustainability.
In his remarks, Prof. Ellas Elemike, Chairman of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Delta Chapter, said attracting more girls to chemistry would require reforms in the way science was taught in schools.
A highlight of the event was a quiz competition among selected secondary schools in Delta.
Participating schools included Challenge Academy, Uvwiama Secondary School, Uvwiama-Agbarho, College of Education, Demonstration Secondary School, Ogbe Secondary School and Iteregbi Secondary School, Iteregbi.
Others were Ebrumede Secondary School, Ebrumede; Delta Career Secondary School, Holy Crest Secondary School and Ovwian Secondary School.
The College of Education Demonstration Secondary School emerged overall winner, while Ogbe Secondary School and Challenge Academy came second and third, respectively.