The American Chemical Society, ACS, and the international student chapter of Sokoto State University, SSU, in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry of the University on Saturday, trained 100 chemistry teachers.
A statement by the Spokesperson of the university, Zayyanu Shehu made available to AsheNews, said those trained on chemical laboratory safety, include teachers of secondary schools, academic staff of tertiary institutions, technologists and students.
Speaking during the workshop, the Faculty Adviser, Sokoto State University, American Chemical Society Chapter, Dr. Thompson Izuagie said the one-day free workshop drew its participants from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
According to him, “the training was organised to share knowledge and experience on chemical safety with managers and operators of chemistry laboratories, in order to improve chemical laboratory practices in the participating states and help prepare chemistry students for the global workplace challenges.”
The Head, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Prof. Aminu Muhammad Bayawa, who also facilitated at the programme said, “it was designed to cover a range of topics on laboratory safety measures to include chemical safety, good laboratory practices, personal protective equipment, efficient waste disposal and management, fire safety and chemistry practicals during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Prof. Bayawa expressed optimism that the workshop would go a long way in equipping the trainees with all the required laboratory safety precautions, “thereby reducing the incessant exposure of both the students and their teachers to avoidable laboratory hazards.”
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University, Prof. Sani Dangoggo urged the participants to utilize the golden opportunity provided them by putting the skills they acquired into practice.
Represented by the Head, Department of Chemistry of the university, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo disclosed that the chemistry programme of the university was recently accredited by the American Chemical Society to develop safety skills in students and prepare them for a global workplace practice.
Some of the participants at the workshop expressed their appreciation to the organizers and urged other professional bodies to emulate the initiative.
