By Sani Idris
THE DIRECTOR and Chief Executive of the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Prof. Sadiya Sani-Daura, Kaduna, said teachers must be empowered with the tools and skills to harness the potential of digital platforms.
According to her, this is to enhance instruction, engage learners and foster critical thinking.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sani-Daura made the disclosure at the opening of a five-day nationwide training with participants from the 36 states and the FCT.
NAN also reports that it was organised by the Institute in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Kaduna.
The NTI chief executive stated that the training was expected to bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and the emerging trends in education technology.
According to her, it will also prepare the teachers across the country to thrive in the digital age.
She said NTI in collaboration with UBEC has consistently championed innovative strategies to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge required to address the evolving demand of modern education.
Sani-Daura Sadi, “Today’s workshops reflect this commitment, providing an avenue for professional development that aligns with global best practices and national priorities.”
The director further disclosed that teachers were relevant because they were critical in any educational transformation.
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She emphasised that education transformation was one of President Bola Tinubu’s priority, though the sector faces challenges.
Sani-Daura expressed optimism with the Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is aimed at transforming the sector and restore its glory.
She said the first focus area with the venue in Kaduna was themed” Digital Pedagogy, Remote Teaching and E-learning”.
According to her, it comes at a time technology has become an integral part of the teaching and learning process, addinf that the Lagos Centre is with the theme” Climate Literacy and Green Life Skills”.
Sabi-Daura said: “As Nigerians grapple with the effects of climate change, our responsibility as educators goes beyond academics.”
The NTI chief executive, who was overwhelmed by the number of participants during the opening ceremony, said NTI was not working alone, but in partnership with UBEC, other sister agencies and organisations.
She, therefore, urged the participants in Kaduna and Lagos to cascade the training as well as advised them not to aid negative attitudes transformation.
“We don’t just teach, but we want our students to have good attitudes that shapes environmental sustainability,” Sani-Daura emphasised.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Technical Assistant to the director, Dr Bature Salisu, said the initiative was a testament to the NTI’s unwavering commitment in enhancing the professional capacity of teachers and at large addressing contemporary educational challenges in Nigeria.
Salisu said the workshop was timely, especially with the demand for digital literacy and integration of technology into teacher education.
He further disclosed that with the increase on the impact of climate change on the environment and communities.
Salisu said, “It is therefore necessary to equip these teachers and instil in them climate awareness education as well as green skills on our young learners as an essential step towards fostering a sustainable future.”
Hhe said according to available records, NTI held a similar training in 2023 under the Sustainable Development Goals, saying,” but this year has a larger number of participants, with redefined themes and objectives.”
He, therefore, expressed gratitude to the leadership of NTI and UBEC for their vision and commitment towards making the training a reality.
The NTI acting Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs Aliyu Zainab-Garba, having commended the NTI and UBEC management, said e-facilitation has become essential and Nigerian teacher cannot be left behind.
She stated that teachers must imbibe the advancement in the profession and urged the participants to be creative.
” As we begin this five-day journey of learning, collaboration and inspiration, I urge every participant to seize this opportunity to engage fully, exchange ideas and embrace innovative approaches,” she added.
The workshop is scheduled between December 11and 15th at the Kaduna and Lagos centres, with each centre having 111 participants, respectively.
The Lagos centre has teachers from the South-West, South-East and South-South, while the Kaduna centre has teachers from the North-West, North-East and North-Central states, including FCT-Abuja.
Among others, the workshop training has objectives such as integrating teaching with technology to meet the demand and challenges of the 21st century.
It is also aimed at enhancing teachers’ understanding about climate change impacts and mitigation strategies and integrating environmental education.
It is also to develop their skills to integrate environmental education into basic school curricula and fostering sustainable practices among teachers and students. (NAN)
