The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Federal Colleges of Education and Related Institutions, Hon. Adamu Tanko has advocated for investment in knowledge that is applicable, especially in this era of artificial intelligence.
Hon. Adamu, who is the member representing Suleja, Tafa and Gurara Federal Constituency of Niger State, made the call on Wednesday, January 10, while declaring open a-Seven Day workshop for the training of Mathematics and Science teachers of Police Primary and Secondary Schools organised by the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) in collaboration with Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), held at NTI headquarters, Kaduna.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education and Related Institutions charged the participants to be creative and find a way to catch up with the rest of the world, as he expressed determination that with investment around science and technology, that will be achievable.
“I am most delighted to be part of the event holding and my presence has underscored the importance of education accorded by the 10th House of Representatives,’’ he said.
He emphasised the importance of education and informed the gathering that the 10th Assembly will continue to support motions that will bring about positive change in the country.
Having appreciated and supported the initiative by the National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna and the Universal Basic Education Commission for partnering in the training programme, which he said will improve the quality of Mathematics and Sciences, urged the participants to engage and actively participate, to make significant impact on the learning outcome of the pupils and students in their various schools.
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the Director and Chief Executive of the National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna, Prof. Musa Garba Maitafsir said the overall aim of the Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) Nigeria programme is ‘’ to upgrade the teaching skills of primary and secondary school teachers and learning skills of pupils in Mathematics and Science.’’
“This agrees with the provision of National Policy on Education (FGN, 2013), which emphasises a paradigm shift in educational practices from teacher-centeredness to learner-centeredness,’’ he said.
Prof. Maitafsir said the basic aim of the SMASE approach of ‘’Activity Students Centered Experiment and Improvisation-Plan, Do, See and Improve (ASEI-PDSI) is to promote positive change of teachers’ attitude to the teaching profession and enhanced improvement in the performance in subject mastery, pedagogical skills, resource utilisation as well as pupils/students’ participation and engagement in the classroom.
He, therefore urged the participants, who are from selected Nigeria Police Force Education Units, all over the country to the training, to share ideas and knowledge, through what he described as ‘’minds-on hands-on, and hearts-on activities,’’ to improve classroom engagement and ensure effective step-down of the skills to fellow teachers.
In his goodwill message, the representative of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mr Aleshin Olumayowa, emphasised that the training in Mathematics and Sciences is very special, and the commission is happy with NTI.
Also, the Police Force Education Officer, Kaduna Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ibidayo Olubuyi, while appreciating the National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna, has urged the participants to assimilate the training, so that maximum and positive impact can be recorded.
In the same vein, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Samuel Olusegun Ayandeji, Ag. Director Human Resources Department, Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research, Kaduna, appreciated the NTI and the Nigeria Police for the training.
The NTI is collaborating with UBEC in the training, which is customised Cycle One and Two training for 50 Master Trainers from the Police Education force, scheduled between January 8 and 13 at the SMASE National INSET Centre, NTI Kaduna.
Recall that the SMASE project was introduced in the year 2006 with full sponsorship and support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which exited and handed the project to the Nigerian government in February 2014. This project has been transformed into programme and institutionalised through the effort of relevant stakeholders at national, state and local levels as well as the Federal Ministry of Education and sister agencies like UBEC, NCCE, TRCN, NMC, NERDC and SUBEBSs, has now reached its greater height.
