SCIENCE TEACHERS REQUIREMENT AND AVAILABILITY IN UPPER BASIC SCHOOLS IN EDO STATE: LOCATION ANALYSIS

Teachers are trained to further the human development capacity of the society. The deployment of science teachers in the right quality and quantity to the school system enhances the development potential of the system. Otherwise, students may not have the opportunity to further explore their potential in the field of science and technology. In order to find out the position of affairs in the requirement and availability of science teachers in the upper basic education level in the three senatorial districts of Edo State, this study was set out. The human capital theory as expounded by Schultz (1961) and Becker (1962) formed the anchor for the study. It explored the expost facto research design while all the upper basic education in Edo State formed the universe of the study. Multi stage sampling technique was adopted for sampling the schools for closer investigation as the phenomenon was examined in urban and rural schools as well as on senatorial basis. Three research questions were propounded and answered using percentages, average and pictorial illustrations. The study found that there was inadequate supply of science teachers to the three senatorial districts of Edo State. Even though rural schools were worst affected the urban schools were marginally staffed. It was suggested that the proprietor should employ science teachers from the locality of the schools to teach in the upper basic schools in the state.