European Union, EU, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, have called for effective implementation of the reviewed National Teacher Policy, NTP, to ensure efficiency and professionalism.
They made the call yesterday during a public presentation of the NTP in Yenagoa at an event organised by the EU-funded Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems, EISS, to Build Teachers Capacity,
The Programme Assistant, UNESCO EISS, in Bayelsa State, Esther Ikenye said if well implemented, the NTP would strengthen teacher management systems and promote effective learning.
Ikenye stated that the NTP effectively deals with issues such as teacher recruitment, professional standards, career development, monitoring and accountability.
She called for renewed stakeholders commitment towards strengthening collaboration that would enthrone improved teachers quality and learning.
Executive Secretary of Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs Stella Ugolo commended UNESCO for providing an enabling environment for stakeholders participation in the NTP review.
Ugolo said similar policies in the past were developed without adequate consultation and involvement of stakeholders.
She reiterated the need to engage qualified teachers in schools and called for more stakeholders involvement in education policy documents reviews before final adoption.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, Mr Simon-Peter Okene commended UNESCO and the EU for supporting initiatives that aim to improve educational systems and teachers development in the country.
Okene said the education ministry would do its part to ensure effective implementation of the NTP in the state.
It would be recalled that the EISS Project is the second phase of the EU’s education and youth empowerment programme in Nigeria which aims to strengthen teachers capacity and resilience through improved education systems between 2024 and 2028.
The NTP provides a comprehensive framework to revolutionise how teachers are recruited, prepared, supported and retained, with a strict mandate to ensure effective licencing of educators.
The policy, driven by the Federal Ministry of Education also mandates educators in both public and private institutions to upgrade their qualifications and maintain professional standards.
The event brought together key education stakeholders, civil society groups and members of the media in Bayelsa.
