Bayelsa: Education fund partners British Council to train 400 teachers

In Bayelsa State, Nigeria, a significant initiative is underway to enhance the quality of education through a collaborative training program for 400 teachers and school leaders. The Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund has joined forces with the British Council and the Teachers Training Registration and Certification Board to deliver this comprehensive five-day workshop.

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Proficiency in English Language was critical to improved academic performance.

The training program is designed to equip educators with essential skills in English language proficiency, modern digital teaching methods, and effective leadership strategies. Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Gentle Emelah, emphasized the critical role of English proficiency in boosting academic performance. He noted that Bayelsa is no longer classified as educationally disadvantaged due to the sustained efforts of past administrations.

Professor Ebimieowei Etebu, Executive Secretary of the education fund, stated that the initiative aims to strengthen education delivery throughout the state. He urged participants to embrace digital tools and new teaching approaches, acknowledging the challenges but stressing the ultimate goal of translating acquired skills into measurable improvements in classroom teaching and learning.

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The ultimate objective was to translate acquired skills into measurable improvements in classroom teaching and learning.

Fwanshishak Daniel, the team leader of the British Council delegation, lauded Bayelsa as a national leader in teacher development. He highlighted innovations piloted in the state, such as teacher accountability learning contracts and state-funded mobile data for self-study, which are now being adopted elsewhere in Nigeria. These measures have demonstrably improved teacher engagement and performance in professional development.

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Bayelsa is a national leader in teacher development.

Stella Ugolo, chairperson of the Teachers Training Registration and Certification Board, urged teachers to uphold high professional standards, emphasizing personal discipline and effective classroom management. The Post Primary Schools Board also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting such initiatives, recognizing sustained investment in professional development as critical for improving education standards across Bayelsa.

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Sustained investment in teachers’ professional development remained critical to improving education standards across Bayelsa.