Ogun State Government has confirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Association of Science Laboratories Technologists of Nigeria (ASLTON) to train school laboratory technicians and their assistants on professional ethics, to carry out their duties effectively.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu during a courtesy call of the executive members of the association to his office in Abeokuta, said it was imperative for laboratories technicians to be trained and certified in order to reduce risks and hazards that may 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 has been doing a lot to re-engineer and re-structure its science, technology and technical aspects of the sector to suit world standards, saying the government would continue to support any association or groups that help to promote educational activities.

In her remarks, the ASLTON Chairman, Dr. Abimbola Okuneye said the mandate of the Association was to ensure effective management and administration of all science laboratories in the country, promising that it would collaborate with the State government to train its personnel and provide professional advice.

In the same vein, the Egba Science Education Foundation, led by its Chairman, Professor Ajao Adenekan during a courtesy visit to the office of the Commissioner has promised to partner with government through their scale up terminal science classes to improve the interest of learners in science courses.

 Prof. Ajao pointed out that the foundation had given free classes to at least 50 learners in time past and decided to increase the number in subsequent programme to cut across the six Local Government Areas in the Ogun Central Senatorial Districts of the State, to pave way for more learners to benefit from the event.

In his response, Prof. Arigbabu said the government was pleased with the initiative and would give the necessary support in making the programme a success.