FG Concludes Training of Technical Teachers, Instructors in Digital Literacy

The need for industry-relevant skills and self-sufficiency among technical teachers and instructors took center stage at a capacity-building workshop organised by the Federal Ministry of Education.

The workshop, aimed at upskilling technical educators across the South-West, featured key stakeholders in education and skill development and was held at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, under the Innovative Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project was concluded on Friday.

Representative of the Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, Dr. (Mrs.) Taibat Olodo, Director of Technology and Science Education, in her remark, said, “The Federal Ministry of Education is committed to providing quality education that meets the demands of the 21st century. This programme is a testament to the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to excellence. Investing in our teachers, upgrading the curricula, modernizing the infrastructure, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders like the World Bank to ensure that technical education in Nigeria meets global standards is what the Ministry is committed to.”

She maintained that “This training program goes beyond simply adopting new teaching methodologies; it serves as a spark to reignite our passion for skill development, drive innovation, and prepare our students for global competition.

Over the past three weeks, our focus has been on empowering technical teachers and instructors through a comprehensive train-the-trainers program. This initiative is designed to enhance your skills, update your knowledge, and equip you with the latest methodologies in technical education. By ensuring you are well-prepared to guide your students in an ever-evolving job market, we are not only shaping the future of individual careers but also strengthening the foundation of our nation’s educational system.

“Let us continue to support and uplift each other, knowing that every effort, no matter how small, plays a role in shaping a brighter future for our nation. Together, let us drive a new era of technical education-one that empowers, innovates, and transforms.” She concluded.

Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Barrister Rahman Abiodun Abdulkareem, stressed the need to prioritize technical education as Nigeria moves toward a diversified economy. He called for a shift away from reliance on paper qualifications, urging teachers to embrace skill acquisition and entrepreneurship.

“Enough of paper qualifications. You can change the narrative and become employers of labor. Nigerians are talented; the major issue is the enabling environment, and that is what the Federal Government is working on. The Oyo State Government will key into capacity-building and digital literacy initiatives,” Abdulkareem stated.

Also, Dr. Tony Okwa, Chairman of the IDEAS Project Tast Team, emphasized the growing demand for practical skills in the industry, urging participants to apply their training effectively. He described the program as a vital step towards becoming better teachers and successful entrepreneurs.

Similarly, Dr. (Mrs.) Idowu Olabisi Akinbamiijo, South-West Coordinator and IDEAS Tast Team Member stressed that the upskilling initiative was designed to equip teachers with technical expertise that ensures self-sufficiency. She urged participants to take the training seriously to better groom their students into skilled and competent professionals.

Professor Oyetunde Adeaga, facilitator of IDEAS project South West Zone, highlighted digital literacy as a major component of the training. He called on beneficiaries to see the program as an investment in their future, not just a tool to improve their teaching skills but also a pathway to entrepreneurship.

In his remark, Dr Taiwo Lasisi, Rector of the Polytechnic Ibadan represented by Dr. Kehinde Faniyi, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Communication commended the participants for embracing innovative skills. She encouraged them to remain committed to the learning process and maintain professional networks to develop effective solutions in the sector.

The IDEAS Project, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Education, is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing technical education and equipping teachers with relevant skills to drive economic growth beyond the oil sector.

The workshop concluded with an exhibition of products by different groups and a renewed commitment from stakeholders to continue supporting technical instructors in acquiring innovative skills for national development.