From Ibrahim Goronyo,
National Teachers Institute, NTI, Kaduna, yesterday began a nationwide training of basic school teachers on digital pedagogy and remote teaching.
The five-day training is also focusing on e-learning, climate literacy and green life skills.
The training, taking place simultaneously in Kaduna and Lagos, organised by the institute in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, has participants drawn from 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. It has as theme: ‘Digital Pedagogy, Remote Learning, E-learnijg, Climate Literacy and Green Life Skills.’
Declaring the workshop open, the Director-General, NTI, Professor Sadiya Sani-Daura said they represent a milestone in the collective efforts to advance teacher education and strengthen the foundation of basic education in the country.
She said NTI, in collaboration with UBEC, had consistently championed innovative strategies to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge required to address the evolving demands of modern education.
“Today’s workshops reflect this commitment, providing an avenue for professional development that aligns with global best practices and national priorities.
“The first focus area, which is digital pedagogy, remote teaching and e-learning, came at a time when technology has become an integral part of teaching and learning process.
“Teachers must be empowered with the tools and skills to harness the potentials of digital platforms to enhance instruction, engage learners and foster critical thinking.
“This training is expected to bridge the gap between traditonal teaching methods and the emerging trends in education technology, as well as prepare teachers to thrive in the digital age,” Sani-Daura said.
On climate literacy and green life skills, the director-general decried that the world is grappling with the effects of climate change, saying “our responsibility as educators goes beyond academics.
“Teachers play a critical roles in shaping attitudes and behaviours that promote environmental sustainability.”
In a welcome address, Special Technical Assistant to the director-general, Dr Bature Salisu said the collaboration between NTI and UBEC underscored the shared vision and partnership to advance teacher education.
According to Salisu, the training reflects a collective resolve to equip reachers with innovative teaching methodologies and critical life skills to prepare students for the demands of the 21st century.
Acting Registrar of the institute, Mrs Zainab Aliyu described the theme as apt and timely.
She stressed that Nigerian teachers must not lag behind, urging then to be creative using technology.
Participating teachers were drawn from all the northern states and the FCT, while those the Lagos centre were drawn from all the southern states.
