Mrs Victoria secret Peregrine (Chairman TESCOM), Koji Shimada (G.M Casino Middle East and Africa) Temiloluwa Adepetun (M.D SKLD Integrated Services Limited) Alli-Balogun (Commissioner MBSC) Abayomi Abolaji (Perm-Sec MBSE).
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu/Florence Onuegbu
The Lagos State Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education (MBSE) has charged teachers to conform their teaching practices to meet the demands of the rapidly-changing educational landscape.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, gave the charge on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of a capacity-building programme for public and private secondary school teachers.
The capacity building programme was in partnership with Casio/SKLD Integrated Services Ltd. and has the theme: ”Equipping Educators with Enquiry-Based Methodology and Accuracy Skills in the 21st Century Classroom”.
The training, which is a Casio Model School Project 2023/2024, is targeted at educating 1,200 teachers.
Alli-Balogun said that there was the need for the teachers to adapt to the changing educational landscape as students were becoming more active in learning process.
”As we all know, our classrooms have become vibrant hubs of knowledge and innovation, where students are not merely passive recipients of information but active participants in their own learning journeys.
”As educators, it is our responsibility to equip them with the tools they need to navigate this complex world and succeed in an ever-changing society,” he said.
According to him, enquiry-based methodology lies at the heart of the educational transformation, as it empowers students to ask questions, explore multiple perspectives, and critically analyse information.
The commissioner said that by engaging in inquiry, the students developed essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity and effective communication.
”Equally important in the 21st century classroom is the emphasis on accuracy skills. In an era of abundant information, students must learn to recognise fact from fiction, evaluate sources critically and engage in rigorous research.
”As educators, we must equip ourselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to guide our students in this process,” he said.
Alli-Balogun urged the teachers to focus on the training for professional growth and embrace the challenges that lie ahead, as they were opportunities to transform the lives of the students and shape the future of education.
”Together, we can create classrooms that inspire, empower and prepare our young learners for the complexities of the 21st century,” he said.
Earlier, the Deputy Managing Director, SKLD Integrated Services Ltd. Mr Tayo Oshiyemi, said that the five years collaboration with MBSE had given birth to several initiatives.
Oshiyemi noted that the idea was to enhance the learning experiences of students through the training of teachers and provision of educational resources at various levels.
”The partnership between SKLD Integrated Services and CASIO started in 2018 and has translated to many capacity building interventions in the education sector, under the Gakuhan Programme of CASIO Japan.
”We set up a Casio lab in Lagos Education Resource Centre in 2021 and had trained over 3,000 teachers on the effective use of analytical tool in the enhancement of learning in the classroom, using Casio Scientific Calculator as an example.
”We do hope that this project will enrich teachers with teaching methodologies, engage students in new and exciting ways and serve as a tool to unlock the potential of every student in Lagos State.
”Let us embark on this journey of educational innovation, transforming learning into a vibrant, interactive and enriching experience for all,” he said.
Oshiyemi said that the company, in collaboration with Casio had donated 1,200 calculators to aid hands-on learning.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, MBSE, Mr Abolaji Abayomi, said that the ministry’s aim and strong vision
was to improve teaching and learning, as it planned to surpass 2022 performances.
”We have to tap into different avenues that will improve our skills and the delivery of our teachers. I encourage you to give your total self and commitment to it,” Abayomi said.
The General Manager, Casio Middle East Africa, Mr Koji Shimada, said that the company would provide the ministry with latest technology advancement in education and teaching, such as basic scientific calculators.
Shimada said that the firm was currently renovating some of the classrooms across the Six Education Districts, which would be equipped and used for capacity development for teachers and students.
The Chairman, Lagos State Teaching Services Commission (TESCOM), Mrs Victoria Peregrino, said that the capacity training programme would afford the teachers the opportunity to enrich their knowledge.
”The teachers are the drivers; it is a good teacher that will produce good students. It is good students that showcase the performance of any state.
”You should try to lose yourself from the old ways and be ready to change,” Peregrino said.