THE Federal Government has called for a thorough review of colleges of education’s curriculum to enhance production of quality teachers for learners in schools across the country.
Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, made the call in Abuja, at the flag-off workshop organised for master trainers on Strengthening Teachers English Proficiency (STEP) and Digital Literacy, by National Commission for College (NCCE) in partnership with the British Council.
He noted that the Colleges of Education system in Nigeria is undergoing reforms with the additional mandate of concurrently running Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programmes in the colleges, hence the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the curriculum to achieve the new set of qualified teachers expected from the system.
Sununu, also expressed concerns about the quality of teachers in the nation’s school system, stressing that the teacher’s pedagogical, communicative and digital skills will, to a very large extent, determine students’ learning outcomes.
He said: “Education in all its forms and at all levels is not only an end in itself but is also one of the most powerful instruments we have for bringing about the changes required to achieve growth and sustainable development.
“This vision of education emphasises a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to developing the knowledge and skills needed for a sustainable future, as well as the necessary changes in values, behaviour and lifestyles.
“This vision further requires us to reorient education systems, policies and practices to empower everyone -women and men, young and old – to make decisions and act in ways that are culturally appropriate and locally relevant to address the problems threatening our common future,” the minister said.
Executive Secretary of National Commission for Colleges of Education, Professor Paulinus Chijioke, on his part, lamented reports of poor communication of some NCE graduates, saying that it was the responsibility of the commission that raises teachers, to ensure that teachers themselves are proficient in the use of the language.
He added that teachers could impact on the learners as well if they could communicate effectively.
He noted that the participants at the workshop were master trainers who would be inculcated with so many values, believing that at the end of the training, they would go back to their colleges and cascade it down to others.
While he posited that there is need to continue to upskill teachers in the proficiency of English Language usage, Chijioke said, ‘‘we want teachers to effectively use English Language, which is the medium communication in the educational sector, both in delivery and assessment.
He noted that the workshop was aimed at improving communication proficiency in the use of the English Language by teachers and also promoting the culture of digital literacy in curriculum facilitation.
“With this training, quality of learner’s outcomes will surely improve as the pre-service teachers will be equipped with new skills that are likely to transform their teaching techniques, approaches, and pedagogy,” he stated.
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