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ANALYSIS OF SAFETY PRACTICES DURING BIOLOGY PRACTICALS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL, NIGERIA

Authored By: Uzoechi B. C., Musa D. C., I. E. Uwalaka , W. A. Dogara

Article Number: 1702379670

Received Date: November 30th -0001 Published Date: December 12th 2023

Copyright © 2020 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This study conducted an analysis of safety practices during biology practical's in senior secondary schools in Abuja Municipal area council, Nigeria. The research aimed to evaluate the availability of approved safety equipment and materials in biology laboratories and assess the extent to which safety practices are adopted by teachers. The sample comprised 165 respondents, including 25 biology teachers and 140 students from urban and rural secondary schools. The data were collected using the Biology Practical Class Safety Practices Questionnaire (BPCSPQ) and analyzed through mean scores, standard deviations, and independent samples t-tests. The findings revealed a low availability of approved safety materials in senior secondary school biology laboratories in Abuja. The mean score of 2.05, with a standard deviation of 0.98, indicated inadequate safety resources. The study also highlighted a low extent to which safety practices are adopted by biology teachers, with a mean score of 2.24 and a standard deviation of 0.97. These results underscore systemic issues, including budget constraints, lack of awareness, and insufficient training in laboratory safety. Also, the hypothesis testing indicated no significant difference in the mean ratings of urban and rural schools on the availability of safety equipment and materials. This suggests a uniform deficiency in safety infrastructure across different school settings. The t-test results (t=0.156, p=0.877) emphasized the absence of a significant difference in mean ratings, affirming the lack of distinction between urban and rural schools concerning safety equipment and materials. This study revealed a pressing need for increased financial allocation, comprehensive teacher training, and heightened awareness to enhance safety practices in senior secondary school biology laboratories. The study recommended collaborative efforts, regular monitoring, and a safety-conscious culture to foster a safer learning environment. Implementing these measures can contribute to the improvement of safety standards and, consequently, the overall quality of biology education in Abuja's senior secondary schools.
Citation: Uwalaka I. E., Uzoechi B. C., & Dogara W. A. (2023). Analysis of Safety Practices During Biology Practical's in Senior Secondary Schools in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Nigeria. Journal of Science, Technology, and Education (JSTE); www.nsukjste.com/ 6(7), 58-66.
Uzoechi B. C.
Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nigeria
Musa D. C.
Nasarawa State University Keffi
I. E. Uwalaka
Department of Science Technology and Mathematics Education, Faculty of Education, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State.
W. A. Dogara
Department of Science Technology and Mathematics Education, Faculty of Education, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State.