The Bayelsa State Government, in collaboration with the British Council, has commenced a comprehensive school leadership and training programme aimed at enhancing the teaching methods of 200 primary and secondary school educators.
The initiative, launched is designed to bolster the skills of headmasters and principals across the state to foster improved learning outcomes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this capacity-building programme is a joint effort between the Bayelsa State Educational Development Trust Fund (BEDTF) and the Teachers Training, Registration and Certification Board (TTRCB). The five-day training is tailored to equip school leaders with contemporary educational strategies.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Gentle Emelah, Bayelsa’s Commissioner for Education, emphasized the state government’s commitment to strengthening teacher development as a cornerstone of educational improvement. Represented by Mr. Monday Eke, Director of Examinations and Records, Emelah commended the BEDTF for securing the support of the British Council.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Alice Atuwo, Executive Secretary of BEDTF, emphasised the significance of capacity building in education, stating that empowering teachers directly impacts the quality of learning.
"The BEDTF believes that for Bayelsa to make meaningful progress in the education sector, the drivers must acquire the requisite and contemporary knowledge required for delivery.
"It is this disposition that propelled the Fund to seek partnership, eventually leading us to the British Council, which received us with open arms.
"This collaborative initiative aims to enhance the capacity of educators and school administrators to improve teaching methodologies, management, and impactful teaching outcomes," Atuwo said.
Prof. Francis Sikoki, Acting Chairman of the BEDTF, expressed gratitude to the British Council for making its educational resources available to the state. He noted that the BEDTF had actively engaged in two training workshops facilitated by the British Council in 2024.
Similarly, Dr. Peremoboere Ogola, Acting Chairman of the TTRCB, which is overseeing the training, acknowledged BEDTF’s instrumental role in supporting eight of the ten training sessions previously conducted for teachers in Bayelsa.
Providing an overview of the programme, Mr. Twanshishak Daniel, Head of English and Schools at the British Council, praised the Bayelsa government’s dedication to education, which warranted the Council’s approval to share its resources for the initiative.
According to Daniel, participants will be trained in modern teaching techniques, digital tools, and innovative educational practices to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom.
