SDS Advocates Improved Teacher Capacity for Education Reform
Schools Development and Support (SDS) has issued a strong call for deliberate reforms in Nigeria's education sector, highlighting the critical need to equip teachers with adequate tools and training while also improving school infrastructure. This appeal was the centerpiece of a two-day interface and discussion session organized by the organization in Lagos, aimed at strengthening teaching standards and fostering innovation in classrooms nationwide.
Hybrid Training Event Attracts Widespread Participation
The hybrid programme, titled "SDS Creative Teachers Training," drew over 200 participants from leading schools across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states. Additionally, virtual attendees joined from Bauchi, Delta, Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Kogi, Katsina, Sokoto, and the Federal Capital Territory, among other locations. The sessions focused on modern teaching methodologies designed to make learning environments more impactful, productive, and performance-driven.
Leadership Insights on Teacher Empowerment
Speaking at the event, Mr. Anthony Nwachukwu Isiani, Managing Director and CEO of SDS International Ltd, described the free training initiative as the organization's contribution to strengthening the teaching profession and supporting educators who play a vital role in national development. Isiani, a teacher with over three decades of experience, stated that the programme was conceived as a way of giving back to society and empowering teachers through practical learning modules and innovative teaching toolkits developed by SDS.
He emphasized that Nigeria must invest more deliberately in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to enable the country to compete globally and reduce dependence on foreign expertise.
Emphasis on Continuous Motivation and Professional Development
Mrs. Chinonye Isiani, Business Development Manager of SDS International Ltd, stressed the importance of continuous motivation for teachers, noting that effective teaching requires emotional commitment, professional fulfilment, and sustained support. According to her, the refresher training was designed to help educators rediscover their professional strengths, improve pedagogical competence, and maintain the motivation necessary for effective classroom delivery.
Addressing Gaps in Education Policy and Implementation
In her presentation on the "SDS Concept of Education," Mrs. Jessica Eze, Customer Support Representative and Educational Consultant at SDS International Ltd, identified gaps between Nigeria's education policy vision and classroom implementation. She attributed these challenges partly to inadequate funding and infrastructure limitations.
Eze explained that the SDS model promotes creativity-driven teaching aimed at producing independent thinkers equipped with both academic and life competencies. She noted that education must evolve continuously to meet the demands of a changing world, stating, "Nigeria has a strong educational vision, but vision without classroom creativity produces limited results. We are not here to criticise policy; rather, we are here to strengthen the system. The policy is visionary, but the challenge is how we teach, and that is what the SDS Concept of Education has come to correct. SDS believes education must go beyond curriculum coverage because education is talent mining, continuous refinement, and creative activation."
Call for Reorientation and Locally Relevant Solutions
Similarly, Mrs. Faith Igwe, Corporate Affairs Manager of SDS International Ltd, highlighted structural challenges affecting Nigeria's education system, including continued reliance on colonial-era frameworks with limited integration of indigenous innovation and cultural context. She called for a reorientation of the system toward capacity building and locally relevant solutions, stressing that national transformation must begin within classrooms through empowered teachers and engaged learners.
Participant Contributions and Feedback
Participants at the training session shared professional experiences and perspectives on teacher-student relationships, motivation, and effective classroom practices. Contributors included Rev. Sr. Philomena Williams of Louisville Nursery/Primary School in Ibadan, Stella Iheanacho of Penny International College, Mr. John Daniel, Mrs. Odom C, and Mr. Rowland Nwaogwugwu of Goshen Pillars School, among others.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of participants, Mrs. Ezinne Onoh, Director of The Brains Premier School in Lagos, commended the organizers for facilitating the free training. She noted that the knowledge gained would enhance teaching outcomes and professional development.
Future Plans and Closing Remarks
In his closing remarks, Isiani described the training as successful and disclosed that SDS plans to organize additional sessions across the country within the year to further support teachers and improve education delivery. This initiative underscores SDS's commitment to driving meaningful change in Nigeria's educational landscape through targeted capacity-building efforts.
