GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

This study examined the availability and regular maintenance of laboratory equipment, as a panacea for students performance in biology in Akwa Ibom State. The study mentioned that the availability and maintenance of laboratory equipment are crucial factors that significantly influence students' performance in biology, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. In the context of carrying out this research, the following subheads were explored: concept of availability of equipment, concept of regular maintenance of equipment and concept of student performance among many others. As noted in the study, the extent of availability of laboratory equipment in secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State was poor as most schools had inadequate Basic Science Laboratory equipment. The study also highlighted that extent of regular maintenance of laboratory equipment in Akwa Ibom State was also poor as most schools could not afford to maintain and regularly repair their laboratory equipment and lacked regular maintenance plans and trained technicians to handle equipment maintenance especially in public schools. Furthermore, the study showed that the extent of student’s performance in Biology was high in theoretical knowledge but weak practical skills. More so, it also noted that enhancement of conceptual understanding, improvement in practical skills and increased student interest in Biology among others were mentioned as the influence of availability of laboratory equipment on student performance in Biology. Also, the influence of regular maintenance of laboratory equipment on student academic performance in Biology as stated in the study included: improved practical learning experience, enhanced retention of scientific concepts and reduction in equipment downtime and learning interruptions. Based on this, the study concluded that the availability and regular maintenance of laboratory equipment are fundamental to enhancing students' performance in biology, particularly in Akwa Ibom State. One of the recommendations made was that the government and educational institutions should allocate more financial resources to the procurement and regular maintenance of laboratory equipment in secondary schools.