Background of the Study :
Reliable electricity supply is a cornerstone of modern education, particularly in STEM fields where laboratory facilities play a crucial role in practical learning. In Wurno LGA, Sokoto State, the inconsistent and often inadequate electricity supply has posed significant challenges to the effective utilization of STEM laboratories. Laboratory experiments are essential for demonstrating theoretical concepts and fostering hands-on learning, yet frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations can severely disrupt these activities (Abdulkadir, 2023). The problem is further compounded by the rapid advancement of technological tools in STEM education, which require stable electricity for digital equipment, data collection, and simulation software. Without reliable power, the quality of laboratory experiments diminishes, leading to reduced student engagement and suboptimal learning outcomes. In Wurno LGA, the dependency on conventional power sources has highlighted the vulnerability of educational institutions to infrastructural deficiencies. Recent studies emphasize that a stable electricity supply is directly correlated with improved educational performance and technological integration in learning environments (Lawal, 2024). Furthermore, innovative solutions such as solar-powered laboratories and backup generators have been proposed as potential remedies, though their implementation remains limited by financial constraints and lack of technical expertise (Mustapha, 2025). This study aims to critically assess the impact of electricity supply on the utilization and effectiveness of STEM laboratory facilities in Wurno LGA. By examining the frequency, duration, and impact of power outages on laboratory activities, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of how infrastructural challenges affect practical STEM education. The study will also explore the perceptions of both educators and students regarding the effects of unreliable electricity on their teaching and learning experiences. The ultimate goal is to offer recommendations that can help educational authorities and local governments address these challenges, ensuring that laboratory facilities can be used optimally to enhance the quality of STEM education.
Statement of the Problem :
In Wurno LGA, Sokoto State, the inconsistent electricity supply poses a significant barrier to the effective operation of STEM laboratory facilities. Laboratories, which are critical for experiential learning in science and technology, suffer frequent disruptions due to power outages and unstable voltage. This not only compromises the quality of practical sessions but also undermines student confidence and interest in STEM subjects. Teachers are often forced to postpone experiments or rely solely on theoretical instruction, thereby limiting opportunities for hands-on learning. Additionally, the absence of reliable electricity hampers the integration of modern laboratory equipment and digital tools essential for advanced scientific inquiry (Usman, 2024). The resulting educational gap affects both academic performance and skill acquisition among students, leading to a broader impact on the local community’s capacity to produce skilled professionals. Despite awareness of this infrastructural issue, there remains a lack of systematic research into its specific effects on STEM education in Wurno LGA. This study seeks to investigate how power supply inconsistencies affect laboratory usage, student engagement, and overall learning outcomes in STEM subjects. By identifying the key challenges and quantifying the extent of disruption, the research aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for infrastructural improvements and alternative energy solutions. Addressing this problem is critical to ensuring that STEM laboratories operate at full capacity and that students have access to the practical learning experiences necessary for academic and professional success (Bello, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
To assess the impact of electricity supply on the functionality of STEM laboratory facilities.
To identify the challenges faced by educational institutions in maintaining stable laboratory operations.
To recommend viable solutions to mitigate the effects of power outages on STEM education.
Research Questions:
How does an unreliable electricity supply affect the use of STEM laboratory facilities in Wurno LGA?
What are the primary challenges faced by schools regarding power supply issues?
What strategies can be implemented to ensure consistent laboratory functionality despite power disruptions?
Research Hypotheses:
H1: Unstable electricity supply significantly hampers the effective use of STEM laboratories.
H2: Educational institutions with alternative power solutions exhibit fewer disruptions in laboratory activities.
H3: Improved power infrastructure positively correlates with enhanced student performance in STEM subjects.
Significance of the Study :
This study is significant as it highlights the critical role of reliable electricity in maximizing the use of STEM laboratory facilities. The findings will inform local government and educational stakeholders about the urgent need for infrastructural improvements and alternative energy solutions. By addressing these challenges, the research can help create a more conducive learning environment that promotes hands-on STEM education and ultimately contributes to the development of a skilled workforce (Yakubu, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to the topic only.
Definitions of Terms:
Electricity Supply: The availability and stability of power needed to operate laboratory equipment.
STEM Laboratory Facilities: Specialized environments equipped for practical learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Wurno LGA: A local government area in Sokoto State facing significant infrastructural challenges.
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