The Director and Chief Executive of the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, Prof. Sadiya Sani Daura said teachers must be empowered with the tools and skills to harness the potential of digital platforms, so as to enhance instruction, engage learners and foster critical thinking.
Prof. Daura made the disclosure, today at the opening of a five-day nationwide training with participants from the 36 states and the FCT, organised by the National Teachers’ Institute in collaboration with Universal Basic Education Commission in Kaduna.
The NTI Chief Executive stated that the training is expected to bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and the emerging trends in education technology, as well as prepare the teachers to thrive in the digital age.
The NTI Chief Executive, who was overwhelmed by the number of participants during the opening ceremony, said NTI is not working alone, but in partnership with UBEC, other sister agencies and organizations.
She, therefore urged the participants in Kaduna and Lagos to cascade the training as well as advised them not to aid negative attitudes transformation.
“ We don’t just teach, but we want our students to have good attitudes that shapes environmental sustainabllity,” she emphasised.
Prof Daura further disclosed that teachers are relevant because they are critical in any educational transformation.
She emphasised that education transformation, is one of President Ahmed Tinubu’s priority, though the sector faces challenges, but expressed optimism with the Tinubu’s agenda, which is aimed to transform the sector and restore its glory.
She said NTI in collaboration with UBEC has consistently championed innovative strategies to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge required to address the evolving demand of modern education.
“ Today’s workshops reflect this commitment, providing an avenue for professional development that aligns with global best practices and national priorities,” she said.
She said according to available record, NTI held a similar training in 2023 under the Sustainable Development Goals,” but this year has larger number of participants, with redefined themes and objectives.
Declaring the workshop open, the NTI Director and Chief Executive said the first focus area with venue in Kaduna is themed “ Digital Pedagogy, Remote Teaching and E-learning,” comes at a time technology has become an integral part of the teaching and learning process as well as the Lagos Centre with the theme “ Climate Literacy and Green Life Skills.”
Prof. Daura said as Nigerians grapple with the effects of Climate Change, “ our responsibility as educators goes beyond academic.”
Dr. Salisu said the workshop is timely, especially with the demand for digital literacy and integration of technology into teacher education.
He further disclosed that with the increase on the impact of climate change on our environment and communities, “it is therefore necessary to equip these teachers and instil in them climate awareness education as well as green skills on our young learners as an essential step towards fostering a sustainable future.”
In her Vote of Thanks, the NTI Ag. Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs Aliyu Zainab Garba, having commended the NTI and UBEC Management, said e-facilitation has become essential and Nigerian teacher cannot be left behind.
She stated that teachers must imbibe the advancement in the profession and urged the participants to be creative.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Technical Assistant to the Institute’s Director and Chief Executive, Dr. Bature Salisu, said the initiative is a testament to the NTI’s unwavering commitment in enhancing the professional capacity of teachers and at large addressing contemporary educational challenges in Nigeria.
He, therefore expressed gratitude to the leadership of NTI and UBEC for their vision and commitment towards making the training a reality.
“As we begin this five-day journey of learning, collaboration and inspiration, I urged every participant to seize this opportunity to engage fully, exchange ideas and embrace the innovative approaches,” he added.
The workshop is scheduled between December 11and 15th at the Kaduna and Lagos centres with each centre having 111 participants, respectively.
The Lagos centre is being attended by teachers from the South-West, South-East and South-South, while the Kaduna centre has teachers from the North-West, North-East and North-Central states, including FCT-Abuja.
Among others, the workshop training has objectives such as integrating teaching with technology to meet the demand and challenges of the 21st century, enhancing teachers’ understanding about climate change impacts and mitigation strategies and integrating environmental education as well as develop skills to integrate environmental education into basic school curricula and fostering sustainable practices among teachers and students.
