RE-APPRAISAL OF AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF LABORATORIES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING OF CHEMISTRY IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the availability and utilization of laboratories in the teaching and learning of chemistry in Colleges of Education, North-Eastern Nigeria. The study was guided by three research questions. The study adopted the survey research design on a sample of eight-nine (89) chemistry lecturers of Colleges of Education in North-Eastern Nigeria. A validated questionnaire tagged: Availa-bility and Utilization of Chemistry Laboratory Facilities (AUCLF) with a reliability index of 0.80 was used for data collection. The study revealed that laboratory facilities and accessories had means within 3.04 -3.88 and 2.48 -3.00 on a scale of 4.00 for availability and utilization tests respectively; indicating on the average that they are within the moderate level. The study enumerated lack of fi-nance resulting in epileptic power and material supply, poor working conditions, lack of incentive, culture and poor students` attitude to practical as some of the challenges. Finally, the study suggest-ed provision of the stable and steady facilities, adequate training of teachers in the use and mainte-nance of lab equipment, payment of improved emolument and enhanced hazard allowance to staff, seminars/symposia on the use, safety and role of laboratories in science and technology based cours-es for students as solutions.