Digital Literacy: FG, World Bank Train 250 Technical Teachers in North East
By Hajara Usman
The Federal Government in collaboration with the World Bank, has trained 250 technical teachers and instructors on digital literacy, pedagogy, and trade specifics in the East.
The the training was under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in Acquisition of Skills ( IDEAS) project in partnership with the World Bank.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the three weeks training on Friday in Gombe, Mr.Anthony Aboki Chairman Human Resource Strategy Committee IDEAS said the training had exposed participants to emerging trends of globalisation for economic viability in relevant skills.
He said the decision to conduct the training was informed by the ability of technical and vocational teachers to equip individuals with practical skills.
Aboki expressed confidence that the collective knowledge and expertise of the participants would help the technical colleges to meet the challenges in the future.
He noted that there was a severe shortage of technical teachers in the region, and most of the teachers who attended the training have never attended any training since they joined the service.
He further recommended training and retraining of the teachers to enable them to build their capacity, which in turns would benefit the entire society.
He challenged them to be catalysts of change and innovations in their class rooms and the society. ” Without digital skills, you can not function in today’s world,” he explained.
The national coordinator, Mrs Blessing Ogwu, said the participants were taught a lot of improvisation because they were not encouraging them to wait for the government to do everything for them.
Ogwu, who was represented by Mrs Annah Masinga, the National Consultant IDEAS cited example with schools in rural areas that have no adequate facilitates, they were taught to use what they have at their disposal.
“ For example, in Home economic department, if they don’t have gas they can use a stove with a pot and sand inside, and they will still bring out an excellent cake and also make popcorn without a popcorn machine,” she said.
She also emphasised the need for equipping and adequate funding of the Technical and Vocational Colleges to make them functional.
Mrs Aishatu Maigari, Commissioner of Education, Gombe State said Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State is passionate about industrialisation hence the establishment of an Industrial park.
She said Gombe is working tirelessly to see that its citizens became technically-oriented whether in school or out of school.
