The Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund, in collaboration with the British Council and the Teachers Training Registration and Certification Board (TRCB), has commenced a five-day training programme for 400 teachers and school leaders across the state.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the training focuses on English Language proficiency, digital teaching methods, and leadership skills. The initiative aims to strengthen education delivery and improve learning outcomes in Bayelsa schools.
Commissioner Highlights Importance of English Proficiency
Declaring the workshop open, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Gentle Emelah, said proficiency in English Language was critical to improved academic performance. He noted that Bayelsa had ceased to be classified as educationally disadvantaged, thanks to the efforts of successive administrations in the state.
Mr Emelah urged participants to take full advantage of the training to enhance their professional competence and contribute to better learning outcomes for students.
Fund Executive Secretary Emphasizes Digital Tools
The Executive Secretary of the education fund, Professor Ebimieowei Etebu, said the initiative was designed to strengthen education delivery across the state. He encouraged teachers and school leaders to embrace digital tools and teaching methods, despite the challenges associated with adopting new approaches.
Professor Etebu stressed that the ultimate objective was to translate acquired skills into measurable improvements in classroom teaching and learning.
British Council Praises Bayelsa's Leadership
Fwanshishak Daniel, the team leader of the British Council delegation, described Bayelsa as a national leader in teacher development. He revealed that some innovations piloted in Bayelsa, including teacher accountability learning contracts and state-funded mobile data for self-study, were now being adopted in other parts of Nigeria.
Mr Daniel said these measures had significantly improved teachers' engagement and performance in professional development programmes.
Stakeholders Call for Professional Standards
In a goodwill message, Stella Ugolo, the chairman of the Teachers Training Registration and Certification Board, urged teachers to maintain high professional standards in discharging their duties. She reiterated the need for personal discipline and effective classroom management to ensure quality teaching.
The Executive Secretary of the Post Primary Schools Board, Faith Ogbara, reaffirmed the board's commitment to supporting teacher training initiatives. He said sustained investment in teachers' professional development remained critical to improving education standards across Bayelsa.
The five-day programme combines classroom engagement tools, digital integration strategies, and school leadership development, all aimed at enhancing learning outcomes in schools across the state.
