The newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, commended the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, for its proactive steps toward strengthening teacher education in Nigeria.
He described the Institute’s focus as bold and commendable in response to the call for digital transformation in education.
The Honourable Minister, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Colleges of Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Iyabode Fatima Ali, made the remarks while declaring open the NTI’s second annual National Conference on Tuesday, November 12, in Kaduna.
The Minister noted that the theme of the conference, “E-facilitation Delivery System in Nigerian Schools: Prospects, Challenges, and the Way Forward,” is timely and immensely relevant.
“It speaks directly to the need for our education system to keep pace with technological advancements and harness these tools to improve learning outcomes across Nigeria,” he added.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration prioritizes education, with a clear commitment to strengthening the sector at all levels.
He further stated that the administration recognizes that an educated and empowered citizenry is the foundation of the nation’s progress and stability.
“This is why we are dedicated to creating policies and supporting initiatives that will bolster access, ensure quality, and foster innovations in our educational institutions,” he emphasized.
The Minister also highlighted that the theme of the conference serves as a reminder to participants about transforming classrooms, leveraging digital tools, and enriching learning environments that will prepare the youth for the demands of an increasingly digital world.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director and Chief Executive of NTI Kaduna, Prof. Musa Garba Maitafsir, explained that the Institute is embracing blended delivery, combining e-facilitation with face-to-face contact. “We are into e-teaching, e-supervision, and NTI is preparing for e-examinations,” he said.
However, Prof. Maitafsir lamented that, in the past, the Institute had been more of an administrative outfit, despite being the largest teacher training institute in the world. He added that the country still needs conventional and aesthetic writing skills, but that technology has come to stay, and NTI is striving to meet international standards.
The Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani, represented by Hajiya Adama Abdullahi Wada, Director of Higher Education, Kaduna State Ministry of Education, commended NTI for its bold, innovative strategy. She noted that Prof. Maitafsir has transformed NTI into a digital institution.
The keynote speaker of the conference, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, said the theme was very appropriate. He emphasized that in this digital era, adopting technology is not just an option but a necessity.
Also, the representative of the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Hon. Sagir Musa Ahmed, Commissioner for Information, Sports, Youth, and Culture, mentioned that the Jigawa State Government has already adopted e-facilitation.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, represented by Alhaji Jibril Muhammad Magaji, District Head of Kawo, Kaduna, stated that e-facilitation offers access to students, but cautioned that frequent power outages and literacy levels could pose significant challenges to its widespread adoption.
Other dignitaries at the opening ceremony included the representative of the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Registrar Brigadier-General O. A. Ogunleye, the representative of the Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic, Dr. Abubakar Jadas, and the Dean of the College of Technical and Vocational Education, among others.
