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Tag: teachers

  • Institute begins needs assessment for teachers’ development

    Institute begins needs assessment for teachers’ development

    Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), Biase in Cross River State, has begun a statewide needs assessment of professional teachers.

    The purpose of the exercise involving schools in the 18 local governments is to get inputs from about 300 targeted sample participants on their current and future needs.

    The Director General of TCTI, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, said the institute’s “curriculum is dynamic and covers teachers from primary and secondary schools, vocational and technical colleges as well as Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in integrated settings.”

    Addressing reporters at the weekend, the TCTI DG says the institute being a world-class institution adopts training programmes that are best suited to the local needs of schools, as well as meeting global standard practices.

    He added: “With the rapid changes taking place in the 21st century schooling system, curriculum, technology, knowledge and skills, needs assessment is able to point out areas of interest.

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    “After a thorough needs assessment exercise, 100 primary school head teachers across the state will be selected to attend a three-day intensive residential workshop on the ‘Application of Smart Skills to Teaching and Learning in Primary Schools’.

    Adedoja said TCTI, which before now had carried out career trainings for teachers, was owned by the Cross River State Government and was conceived to boost manpower development and guarantee quality education that met global learning.

    He said: “The institute is seeking collaborators for its training programmes.”

  • Teachers urged to lead task in promoting high-quality education

    Teachers urged to lead task in promoting high-quality education

    A non-governmental organisation, PristineSACC Education and Technology Initiative recently organised a roundtable discussion on teachers’ socio-economic status, teachers’ job performance and students’ academic achievement with the purpose of empowering teachers.

    With the theme focused on “Inspire and empower to adopt, adapt and improve”, the roundtable also presented the teachers with the opportunity to consider variety of ways to structure activeness and effective teaching that enables multiple modes of engagement.

    It was also an opportunity to create various pathways for students’ achievement and accessibility in the classrooms while maintaining their optimal well-being.

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    Executive Director, Mrs Umar Aishat who was ably represented by Ms Balogun Hanifat, emphasised that organisation’s mission is to promote SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

    Programme Manager, Mr. S.A. Odore, charged teachers to lead the task in promoting high-quality education in Nigeria.

    He said: “Although teachers are important stakeholders in educational institutions and should lead the task in promoting high-quality education in Nigeria, teachers are not to be blamed for the ineffectiveness of education in Nigeria because of the reward system.

    “Teachers are under-recognised, under-appreciated, and un-motivated, and their pay does not cover their costs. However, the socio-economic position of teachers needs to be addressed to curb these difficulties.”

    Odore emphasized the value of technology in reducing the workload for educators, stressing on the importance of using artificial intelligence to create and build lesson plans and notes.

    At the roundtable discussion, five syndicate groups were formed and given various questions to analyse.

    Programme Director, Mr. Sodiq Ajala commended the speakers and attendees for their thought-provoking contributions and also encouraged educators to be optimistic, and consistent, and to pursue knowledge via study and self-improvement.

  • Kaduna to recruit 10,000 teachers to bridge deficit – Commissioner

    Kaduna to recruit 10,000 teachers to bridge deficit – Commissioner

    The Kaduna State Government (KDSG) has disclosed its plans to recruit 10,000 teachers to address the deficit in public schools.

     The Commissioner of Education in the state, Prof. Mohammed Bello, said this at a meeting on the findings and lessons from the study on the implementation of the teacher recruitment, deployment and retention policy in the state on Friday.

     Bello, represented by the Ministry of Education’s Director of Planning, Salisu Lawal, said the ministry has an updated annual school census, which reflects schools with shortage of teachers.

     The commissioner also said the state would work with its agencies to improve the deployment and retention of teachers in conflict-affected areas.

    He, however, said the ministry had earlier proffered solutions to some of the challenges identified in Kaduna public schools, which included the use of digital learning.

     He said the ministry has found a long-term solution to the issue of teachers leaving the rural areas due to insecurity.

     The commissioner said the ministry is being supported by UNICEF to train teachers on early warning signs of insecurity.

     “We have trained a number of teachers and students on how to behave when they perceive anything that has to do with insecurity.

     “The state government is also doing its best in collaboration with the Federal Government to provide military personnel around schools in identified LGAs so as to improve their security for better learning,” he said.

     Earlier, Joy Oballum, Senior Education Specialist with Oxford Policy Management, said the meeting was aimed at reviewing a recent research on teacher recruitment, deployment, and retention policy in Kaduna state.

     She stressed that the organisation’s mission was to understand the ongoing implementation of the policy that became effective in Kaduna State in 2019 regarding the recruitment, deployment, and retention.

     Oballum explained that under the ERIC consortium, which was funded by the UK Government, the organisation is looking at conducting credible research.

     It is also generating robust evidence that could support children’s learning in conflict and crisis prone areas.

    She said the Oxford Policy Management is looking at what they could learn from the ongoing implementation.

    “We want to know what has worked and what did not; what are the areas of improvement, what are the recommendations for further actions.

     “Coming here today, we came to present the emerging findings from the research to the Government and its stakeholders so as to reflect our findings and to also generate further inputs.”

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     The Specialist commended the state and its stakeholders, saying,” The teachers’ policy is going to be implemented though not as fast as originally planned from 2019 due to some challenges.

     “We are glad it is now on track and implemented according to the policy stipulation.

    “There are a few areas of challenges that are mitigated and partners are willing to review and revice to see how they can further strengthen the ongoing implementation,” Oballum said

     Also, Malam Shehu Usman, a Permanent Member II, Kaduna State Teachers Service Board (TSB), said the research on the teachers’ policy by Oxford Policy Management was critical in addressing challenges and realignment in the policy for betterment of education in the state.

     He added that the TSB has started implementing some of the policy, where it recently recruited 7,600 teachers where they are currently teaching in various primary and secondary schools of the state.

     “We strictly followed the teacher policy, and it has been a success,” Usman said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the study was funded by educational research in conflict and crisis affected settings.

    The research was led by the international rescue committee and funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

  • Taraba begins students’, teachers’ identification system

    Taraba begins students’, teachers’ identification system

    The Taraba State government has kicked off the Taraba Education Student Identification System (TESIS), where pupils and teachers would be digitally captured for planning and allocation of resources within the education sector.

    Commissioner for Education Dr. Augustina Godwin, said since the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, students’ enrolment had increased, hence the need for biometric capturing.

    She said: “The digital enrolment of our pupils is to enable the government to ascertain a near accurate data that would be used in planning and allocation of resources within the education sector.

    “Similarly, our teachers would be captured to ascertain the ratio of teachers to students to determine if there is need to employ more teachers.”

    Godwin also added that other benefits of the programme include e-learning that would allow pupils to learn online and teachers to compare notes with their counterparts across the state.

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    According to her, the programme also introduces Taraba First Call, where students and indeed the teachers can call and have their voices heard on pertinent issues and emergencies.

    The commissioner said: “In fact, when the programme is successfully implemented, Taraba would be among the only three states to fully comply with e-education initiatives.”

    Four schools across the state were captured in the first phase of the project. They are Nyamusala Primary/Secondary School; Hammaruwa Secondary School, Gassol; Ebenezer Primary School, Wukari and Government Secondary School, Gembu.

    Governor Agbu Kefas stated that the programme was aimed at ensuring that every child in Taraba had quality education.

    He added that the programme will provide an inclusive education by removing barriers and empowering teachers.

  • Zamfara okays payment of gratuities for teachers, local govt workers

    Zamfara okays payment of gratuities for teachers, local govt workers

    Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the payment of over N4 billion outstanding gratuities for Local Government workers and primary school teachers.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Chika, said this in an interview with newsmen in Gusau after defending the 2024 budget proposal for the 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs) at the House of Assembly.

    Chika said that the state government had already set up committees for the verification of local government workers and retired primary school teachers from 2012 to date.

    “The committee has already commenced the verification, very soon we will commence the payment.

    “Possibly by tommorow, Friday, or next week Monday we will begin the payment of verified beneficiaries.

    “Since inception, the present administration under Gov. Lawal has been making arrangements to increase the salary of local government workers and primary teachers in the state,” Chika said.

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    Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Hamisu Faru, commended the 14 LGAs for their compliance with the assembly’s rules and regulations during the exercise.

    Faru urged the council chairmen to intensify efforts to improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of their councils.

    “Each of the 14 LGAs must initiate ways to enhance their IGR to enable government to execute development projects, especially in rural communities.

    “The seventh assembly in the state is committed to ensuring better revenue generation and remittance and since our inception we have reviewed laws in line with the modern system of revenue generation.

    “This exercise is part of the assembly’s efforts to enhance IGR of the state, in line with the governor’s rescue mission’s policies and programmes,” Faru said.

  • Adeleke’s sacking of 1,500 teachers increased out-of-school children in Osun, says Oyetola

    Adeleke’s sacking of 1,500 teachers increased out-of-school children in Osun, says Oyetola

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has lamented that sacking of over 1,500 teachers by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration has surged the numbers of out-of-school children in Osun state.

    Oyetola, who is the immediate past governor of Osun state, expressed worry over the surge in statistics, as he implored Adeleke not to politicise the education sector of state.

    The minister, who was represented by his former special adviser on political affairs, Sunday Akere spoke at the commissioning of the multi million naira solar borehole donated by ex-students (1973&74 set) of Ife-Oluwa Grammar School, Osogbo, on Saturday, January 20, disclosed that he recruited 1,500 teachers but were sacked politically by Adeleke.

    He said: “My admonition to the government is that the government should not play politics with education. When we are in government, we imputed about 1,500 teachers but unfortunately the present government stopped all of them when they came on board and over a year now they have not done any thing to fill up the vacancies created.

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    “This has led to the recent increase in out-of-school children in Osun State. I want to implore the government to ensure they employ adequate teachers and also the ex-students of schools across the state should partner the government.”

    Earlier, the principal of the school, D.K Faleye said: “We appreciate the kindness, generosity and philanthropic gestures of our distinguished Old Students of the school, Class 1973-74. The school will not forget in a hurry, the assistance made in paying the NECO fee of seven indigent students of the school last year, 2023.

    “Furthermore, the sinking of the solar powered borehole which we are today commissioning is another laudable project embarked upon by these wonderful men and women class of 1973/74 – we shall ever be grateful.”

  • Oyo warns head teachers, teachers against collection of illegal fees

    Oyo warns head teachers, teachers against collection of illegal fees

    Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, yesterday warned heads of schools, teachers among others to desist from collecting illegal fees from pupils and parents.

    He said education is free from primary to secondary schools.

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    He described the level of compliance of teachers and pupils concerning resumption for second term as impressive.

    The commissioner spoke while monitoring resumption at schools for the second term in Ibadan metropolis.

  • FG begins recruitment of teachers for ‘Build-A-Thon’ initiative

    FG begins recruitment of teachers for ‘Build-A-Thon’ initiative

    The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has announced the commencement of applications for teaching positions under its Build-A-Thon initiative programme.

    This was announced on the Ministry’s “X” handle on Thursday.

    The programme which was launched earlier in December, according to the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, will promote early-technology adoption among senior secondary students.

    The programme will run for four days in January 2024 and it is expected to have 1,500 students from 150 schools in three locations, Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta.

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    The ministry added that the right candidates should be visionary educators, teachers, and enthusiasts who would be able to guide the next generation of tech innovators in secondary schools.

    The ministry urges prospective teachers and qualified candidates to apply on the programme’s website.

    Commenting on the launch of the programme recently, the minister said, “The Build-A-Thon initiative is part of our strategic plan to promote early-technology adoption to shape tomorrow’s innovation leaders.”

    He added that the overall goal of the program includes showcasing innovative projects, recognising achievements, fostering future collaboration, inspiring future leaders, and promoting lifelong learning.

  • MTOTY: Rewarding teachers and putting them on global stage

    MTOTY: Rewarding teachers and putting them on global stage

    By Tosin Odunewu, UNILAG

    The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition 2023 has come and gone but its echoes keep reverberating in the Nigerian educational circle. It was a night of stars at the Jewel Aedia, Lagos, where the grand finale was held on October 20, 2023. The award, in its 9th year, has transformed the lives of many teachers, bringing them out of obscurity into the limelight.

    An initiative of the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition recognises, celebrates, and rewards extraordinary teachers who have contributed immensely to moulding Nigerian children and youth.

    As the popularity of the competition among teachers made headlines this year, recording its highest number of entries ever, a record-breaking 1,499 entries nationwide, the story gets more interesting with an impressive 1,203 valid entries for grading. At the end of the rigorous evaluation by the esteemed panel of judges, the top 10 finalists emerged, and on the night of October 20, 2023, the Maltina Teacher of the Year was unveiled to roaring applause.

    Adeola Adedunke Adefemi of Keke Senior High School, Agege, Lagos was crowned winner, and like previous shining lights of the award, she will receive a total cash prize of N6.5 million (N1.5million immediately and N1 million annually for the next five years) from the Nigerian Breweries – Felix Ohiwerei Trust Fund.  The roll-call of winners continued with Azuh Chike, a teacher with Ezemu Girls Grammar School, Delta State as the first runner-up, with a total cash prize of N1.5 million. Adam Abdulqadir Ndi of Model Science College, Niger State, the second runner-up went home with a N1.25 million cash prize while the remaining 27 teachers who emerged as State Champions were rewarded with the sum of N500, 000.00 each.

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    The event which played host to past winners, the top 10 finalists, management and staff of Nigerian Breweries Plc, as well as dignitaries  was filled with fun and entertainment. Among the dignitaries present was the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, who, in his goodwill message, commended the efforts of Nigerian Breweries Plc-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund to celebrate outstanding teachers across Nigeria and cited the growing national efforts to bring back the glory days of teachers in the country.

    The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, who represented the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also lauded Nigerian Breweries Plc for the significant contributions towards making the teaching profession an enviable one stating that the state government appreciates the significance of such competition in improving the quality of teaching and students’ performance.

    In the euphoria of the moment, the winner of the coveted prize, Adeola who was delighted to be among the illustrious list of past winners, was filled with gratitude to Nigerian Breweries Plc for shining the light of recognition on the teaching profession and rewarding teachers through the initiative.

    Since its inception nine years ago, the competition has recognised a total of 211 State Champions, and eight National Champions and equipped eight schools with educational facilities such as blocks of classrooms, an auditorium and computers.

    All eyes are on 2024, when the competition will be 10 years. Just as the government at the state and federal levels are working towards improving the lives of teachers, it will be a thing of delight if such initiatives can spring from other sources too. This will make teachers more respectable and dignified in society, boost interest in the profession, and no longer will we hear that statement of resignation: ‘Teachers’ rewards are in heaven.’

  • Unity school teachers urge govt to release employment letters

    Unity school teachers urge govt to release employment letters

    Regularised teachers of Federal Unity Schools have appealed to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan to give approval for the release of their employment letters.

    The teachers said the Federal Civil Service Commission has forwarded their case to the HoS for final approval for their letters to be released.

    One of the teachers and Leader of the Concerned Teachers of Parent Teachers Association, Akinloye Olaide, said after their protests to the commission in April this year, their names were forwarded to the HoS for final approval.

    Speaking with reporters at the office of the HoS on Wednesday in Abuja, Olaide appealed to the HoS to fast track the release of the employment letters of those affected.

    He said over 50 teachers are affected.

    Olaide said: “In 2018/2019, the Federal Government gave a waiver to regularise PTA teachers into the system. On January, 2020 the employment letters were released but unfortunately there were omissions and the omission cuts across many schools. Like my own school (King’s College) the whole seven names were not captured. We raised an alarm that our letters have not been released and we were promised that the matter will be resolved. During the process, COVID-19 came and the HoS placed embargo on employment. We told them that we are not new employees that should be affected by the embargo but nobody listened to us.

    We have written appeal letters, visited Abuja physically and nobody listened us until we had a protest in April this year at the Federal Civil Service Commission and the commission wrote to us that the HoS should release the letter.

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    “When we did a follow -up, the HoS told us they have forwarded the memo to the Federal Ministry of Education for comment. We got to the ministry and they have done all that is required of them. Untill now we have not collected our letters.

    “Our other colleagues who have collected their letters are not writing for their salary arrears.

    “We have served our various schools for 10 to 20 years, using our youthful age to serve the nation and contribute our quota to the system positively.

    “We have been patient enough since 2020 by taking the necessary steps without causing any chaos in the system and nobody has answered us.

    “I sent a message to the HoS several times regarding this matter. She never replied once.

    “Today, we are here. We came from different states. None of us have any family members here. Some of us slept at the car park and ministry’s corridor. How can our leaders be so heartless? This is injustice of the highest order.

    “We have the cumulative names forwarded to the Federal Civil Service Commission to be regularised. If there is an error how long will it take them to communicate the agencies involved and regularise our employment?”

    The Director of Press, Office of the HoS, Muhammad sabo Ahmed promised to refer their case to Yemi-Esan.