Abstract
The study investigated the state of Biology laboratories in senior secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. Five public senior secondary schools in this region were surveyed to assess the availability and functionality of Biology laboratories, the presence of necessary equipment and reagents for practical work, and the frequency of teacher engagement in laboratory activities. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to these schools and analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and percentages, employing a stratified random sampling technique.
The findings indicated that while all schools had functional biology laboratories, there was a significant lack of essential equipment such as microscopes and incubators. Interactive boards and other items were adequately available. The study also found that teachers were actively engaging students in laboratory activities, especially during exam preparations, but updates to laboratory content to reflect current scientific developments were infrequent.
In conclusion, the research revealed that despite having functional laboratories and sufficient teaching personnel, the absence of critical equipment and laboratory assistants hindered the effectiveness of practical biology education. The study recommended investing in essential equipment, employing laboratory assistants, updating laboratory activities with current scientific developments, and fostering a culture of continuous practical learning to enhance the quality of biology education.
