To improve the quality of teaching and learning in Bayelsa State, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) recently sponsored a six-week Teachers Development Training Programme for the secondary school teachers in the state.
The programme was organized in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government as part of NCDMB’s Direct Intervention Initiative, which builds human capacities in the oil and gas industry and allied sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The training which was organized in two batches ended recently with the second batch of 250 teachers comprising 88 in Mathematics, 52 in English Language, 78 in Basic Science and 32 in Basic Technology for junior secondary schools.
The teachers were drawn from the state’s eight local government areas and the programme took place at St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
The first phase was held at the University of Africa Toru-Orua in Sagbama, Bayelsa State. NCDMB sponsored the same training in Kastina State in the last quarter of 2018 and plans to replicate the programme in other states of the federation.
Speaking at the closeout ceremony, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote, represented by the General Manager, Capacity Building Division, Dr Ama Ikuru explained that the Board conceived the Teachers Development Programme with a view to improving the quality of teaching and the performance of students in key subjects.
He noted that primary and secondary school teachers lay foundation for the training of professionals that work in various sectors of the economy, including the oil and gas industry.
Ikuru charged the teachers to be faithful to the profession and apply the skills they learnt during the programme, so as to produce students that will make the state proud in external examinations and further studies.
He pledged the Board’s commitment to continuously improve the scope of the programme and support the development of teachers nationwide.
“You have to impact on the students and improve their capacities just as we have done for you”, he added.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Bayelsa State, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite commended NCDMB for the continuous support for the state, particularly the educational sector.
He confirmed that NCDMB’s initiatives have impacted the lives of Bayelsans and charged the teachers to use the skills they have acquired to improve the performance of their students.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Bayelsa State, Mrs. Ebizi Brown charged the teachers to adopt a new mindset and ensure excellence while tutoring the students.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates to the participants and awards of prizes to the best participants in various subjects.
Peace Obi