Federal Government Trains 270 Technical Teachers and Instructors in Digital Literacy.
The Federal Ministry of Education has successfully trained 270 technical teachers and instructors in Nigeria, focusing on Digital Literacy Pedagogy and Trade-Specific skills.
The training, which lasted for 21 days, concluded on Friday in Ibadan, with Dr. Olatunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, highlighting its significance in meeting the demand for a skilled workforce in the 21st century.
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Alausa, represented by Dr. Muyibat Olodo, Director of Technology and Science Education, emphasized that the goal of the training was to strengthen the technical and vocational education sector in Nigeria.
He stressed that as technology continues to reshape industries and open new career opportunities, it becomes crucial to have skilled professionals who can adapt to these changes.
Dr. Alausa pointed out that technical and vocational education plays an essential role in equipping individuals with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their careers.
More importantly, it bridges the gap between theory and real-world applications, ensuring that students are not only educated but also employable and prepared for industry challenges.
Dr. Alausa further emphasized that effective teachers do more than just impart knowledge—they inspire students and fuel their passion for skill development. He acknowledged that skilled educators have led many students to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and problem-solvers, showcasing the transformative power of teaching.
He urged the teachers to recognize their role as central to shaping the future of both their students and the nation. According to the minister, educators are the cornerstone of the educational system, and their contribution is vital in preparing students to be globally competitive.
State and Institutional Support
Prof. Salihu Adelabu, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, praised the Federal Government’s initiative to train technical teachers in line with the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) curriculum.
He noted that while infrastructure and personnel were previously provided for TVET, the missing element had often been adequate training. He highlighted that a lack of capacity-building efforts can limit teachers’ ability to fully contribute to students’ learning.
Prof. Adelabu encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training, noting that Oyo State had already made strides by revamping and remodeling its technical colleges to better align with current educational needs.
Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, Acting Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, underlined the importance of building confidence to tackle modern workplace challenges.
Represented by Dr. Kehinde Faniyin, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies, Lasisi urged the teachers to continue fostering teamwork and collaboration, as these qualities are key to addressing contemporary challenges effectively.
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Mrs. Blessing Ogwu, National Coordinator of the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) project, shared that the training was specifically designed to address the skills gap in Nigeria’s post-basic and informal sectors.
She emphasized that the training of technical teachers has proven to be a cost-effective and equitable method to enhance teaching effectiveness, particularly in developing countries.
Encouraging Self-Reliance
Dr. Tony Okwa, Chairman of the IDEAS project, concluded by encouraging the participants to apply the knowledge they acquired to enrich their own lives and empower their students to become self-reliant and capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
With this training initiative, the Nigerian government aims to create a workforce equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Federal Government Trains 270 Technical Teachers and Instructors in Digital Literacy.