The Federal Government has commenced a new teacher capacity building programme targeting about 500 teachers and educators across Nigeria.
The initiative is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with UNESCO, the Government of Japan and other development partners to promote safer, more inclusive and supportive learning environments.
The programme was unveiled in Abuja at a three-day Master Trainers Workshop on Safe Learning Environment, Gender-Responsive Pedagogy and ICT Skills for Educators in Teacher Training Institutions.
Representing the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the Director of the College of Education, Dr Uchenna Uba, said increased access to education must be matched with protection, inclusion and effective learning.
“Increased access to education must be matched by protection, inclusion and effective learning,” she said.
Uba highlighted the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools, stressing the importance of equipping teachers to recognise abuse, respond appropriately and protect the dignity and wellbeing of learners.
She said the policy underscores the need for teachers to be adequately prepared to identify and respond to situations that may threaten the safety and wellbeing of children.
According to her, “45 master trainers from 15 teacher training institutions are being equipped with skills in gender-responsive pedagogy, safe learning environments, prevention and response to school-related gender-based violence, and ICT integration.”
She said the trained master trainers were expected to cascade the knowledge and skills acquired to about 500 teachers and educators.
Uba said the programme would strengthen the capacity of educators to create learning environments that promote safety, inclusion and effective learning.
She said, “Every child in Nigeria should learn in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.”
The Director also stressed the importance of protecting learners from bullying and other forms of abuse, noting that teachers have an important role to play in safeguarding children in schools.
She said, “Teachers must be equipped to recognise abuse, respond appropriately and protect learners’ dignity and wellbeing.”
Uba reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with development partners to strengthen teacher development and inclusive education.
She said, “The Ministry remains committed to sustained collaboration with UNESCO, Japan and the African Union to advance teacher development and inclusive education.”
The workshop is expected to strengthen educators’ capacity in gender-responsive teaching, safe learning environments and the use of digital tools, while contributing to the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the quality and inclusiveness of education in Nigeria.