Assessment of Laboratory Safety Practices in Secondary Schools: Implications for Science Education in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study assessed laboratory safety practices in secondary schools across the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The aim was to evaluate the awareness and adherence to safety protocols among teachers and students, identify challenges related to laboratory safety, and propose recommendations for improvement. Data were collected from six schools (two each from Eket, Uyo, and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial Districts) using two separate Likert scale questionnaires, one for teachers and one for students. A total of 120 teachers and 120 students were sampled, with 20 students per school and 6 teachers per school. The study utilized descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and T-tests for data analysis. The results revealed that 45% of teachers lacked adequate knowledge of safety protocols, while only 25% of students consistently adhered to laboratory safety rules. A significant difference was found in the adherence levels between teachers and students (p < 0.05), indicating that teachers were more aware of safety measures. Furthermore, 70% of the schools had outdated safety equipment, which was a major concern. Recommendations include the regular training of teachers on laboratory safety and the procurement of modern safety equipment for schools. Additionally, safety education should be integrated into the science curriculum to foster a safety culture among students. These recommendations are aimed at reducing the number of accidents in laboratories and improving the overall safety standards in science education in Akwa Ibom State.