Northern Pulse

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

An NGO, Pharmafluence Education Advancement Network (PEAN) would host a hands-on science outreach titled “Everyday Science: Bringing Experimental Biology into Nigerian Homes” on January 17.

The outreach aims to make biology more accessible by showing that students, teachers, and families can conduct meaningful experiments using familiar and low-cost household materials.

In a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Kaduna by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PEAN, Mr. Kenneth David, he said the outreach was designed to inspire young Nigerians to see science as practical, engaging, and achievable, rather than abstract or reserved for those with access to modern laboratories.

David said many Nigerian schools lack functional laboratories, making biology difficult for learners to understand and appreciate.

He added that the initiative shows science is not confined to expensive equipment, but could be practiced anywhere, including kitchens and living rooms.

He said that students from ten secondary schools would participate in interactive sessions featuring DNA extraction from bananas, osmosis experiments with potatoes, fermentation with yeast and sugar, and plant transpiration demonstrations.

David equally said the activities would introduce molecular biology, cell membrane function, respiration, enzyme activity, and plant physiology through simple, safe, and engaging methods.

He added that each experiment would be connected to real-life applications such as crop improvement, food production, and disease understanding.

"Participants will perform the experiments themselves, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and deeper learning rather than passive observation.

"The primary audience includes students aged 11 to 18, their teachers, and community members with strong interest but limited exposure to practical science,"he said.

Beyond the workshop, the CEO said free and downloadable “Experimental Biology at Home” guide would provide illustrated, step-by-step instructions for low-cost experiments in low-resource settings.

He equally said that the guide would be shared through teacher networks and online platforms, while printed copies would support classroom use and replication.

He added that PEAN expects to engage 150 students and 20 teachers directly, with over 500 community members reached indirectly through shared learning.

He also said short videos and social media updates from the event would further extend the outreach impact across Kaduna and beyond.

David, therefore, noted that localisation adapts global biology demonstrations to Nigerian realities, changing mindsets about who can practice science.

He added that with curiosity and creativity, every home can become a laboratory for future Nigerian scientists.

"Members of the public, educators, and community stakeholders are invited to attend and support the outreach.

"Starting at 9:am at Applied Biblia Foundation, Narayi Highcost, Kaduna State, the outreach promise to nurture the next generation of scientific innovators,"the CEO said".(NAN)