The Abia State Government has commenced a five-day capacity-building programme for 4,073 newly recruited teachers as part of efforts to strengthen teaching standards and improve learning outcomes in public schools across the state.
The training, which began on Tuesday at the Federal Government Girls’ College, Umuahia, is focused on equipping the new teachers with practical knowledge and professional skills for effective classroom delivery.
Elder Goodluck Ubochi Hon. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Abia State.
Representing Governor Alex Otti at the flag-off ceremony, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, described teachers as key to the success of the administration’s education reform programme.
Ubochi, who identified himself as a teacher, said government’s investments in school infrastructure and other educational interventions would have limited impact without competent, disciplined and committed teachers.
He urged the participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge acquired to improve teaching and learning in their respective schools.
The commissioner also charged the teachers to uphold professionalism, transparency, fairness and social justice in their dealings with pupils, students, colleagues and the wider society.
He encouraged them to embrace continuous professional development and take advantage of career opportunities available within the education sector.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lady Lydia Onuoha, congratulated the newly recruited teachers and described teaching as a noble responsibility.
Onuoha, who disclosed that she spent 17 years as a classroom teacher before rising through the ranks, urged the participants to remain committed to the profession and demonstrate pride in their responsibilities.
She advised them to pay close attention to the facilitators, comply with programme guidelines and maintain discipline throughout the training.
The ASUBEB chairman also stressed the importance of professional appearance and urged the teachers to always “dress like a teacher” while conducting themselves in a manner that reflects the dignity of the profession.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Ekeoma Chigozie Akidi, said the training was designed to enhance the professional capacity of the new teachers and contribute to better educational outcomes in the state.
She said the programme would expose participants to student-centred teaching approaches, lesson planning, classroom management, digital literacy, technology integration, curriculum implementation, assessment, quality assurance, professional ethics and child safeguarding.
Akidi urged the teachers to approach their new responsibilities with punctuality, integrity, dedication and a commitment to continuous learning.
She noted that teachers have a major role in shaping the talents, character and future of young people, stressing that their commitment would significantly influence the quality of education delivered in Abia schools.
The Permanent Secretary commended Governor Otti for his support for the education sector and acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Sir Ekenechukwu Nwosu, ASUBEB and other stakeholders to the programme.
In her vote of thanks, the Director of Secondary Education Management Board, Mrs Christiana Eze, thanked the state government for providing the opportunity for the newly recruited teachers to begin their careers in the education service.
She assured the participants of continued support from the education authorities to enhance their professional growth and effectiveness.
Among those present at the event were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Sir Ekenechukwu Nwosu; Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Friday Madu; Clerk of the Abia State House of Assembly, Pastor Chijioke Promise; Provost of Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, Prof. Idowu Eluwa; State Coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Dr. Adaobi Obiefuna Ezenwa; education officials, facilitators, consultants and other stakeholders.
The five-day training is expected to prepare the newly recruited teachers for effective professional service and contribute to improved teaching and learning across schools in Abia State.
