The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced training of 187 vice principals of academic affairs from secondary schools and various stakeholders in innovation and entrepreneurship education.
The FCTA secretary for education, Dr Danlami Hayyo, who declared the training open yesterday in Abuja, emphasised that this initiative is essential for equipping educators with the necessary skills and leadership capabilities to cultivate a new generation of innovators and job creators.
Hayyo explained the crucial role vice principals play in integrating entrepreneurship education into the school culture, asserting that it should go beyond being just a subject to become a fundamental aspect of teaching and learning.
He said the training sessions will offer practical insights and hands-on experiences, focusing on various topics, including entrepreneurship education, leadership roles, curriculum development, stakeholder engagement, resource mobilisation, and continuous assessment and improvement.
“This initiative is a call to action. I trust you will implement what you learn here to drive impactful changes in your schools. As educators and administrators, it is our duty to prepare students for jobs and empower them to shape the future through innovation and entrepreneurship.
“By making entrepreneurship education a standard practice, we will prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators,” he said.
In a preceding overview of the current landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship education in the FCT, Dr. Mohammed Sani Ladan, Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB), noted that the FCT-BRUNEL Innovation Team has greatly expanded its expertise in innovative teaching methods and technology-driven entrepreneurship.
Ladan indicated that entrepreneurship education is now integrated into the curriculum, equipping students with vital practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a problem-solving mindset.
He mentioned that selected secondary schools have established innovation and entrepreneurship clubs, providing students with opportunities for practical business simulations, product development, and financial literacy.
“Our collaboration with BRUNEL University in London has enhanced our approach, driving us towards our goal of transforming FCT secondary schools into centres of creativity and economic empowerment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Kolawole Olobashola, director of the FCT Science, Innovation, and Technology Agency, urged trainees to remain engaged and open-minded throughout the “train-the-trainers” programme.
He welcomed attendees with remarks underscoring the commitment to enhancing educational quality in the FCT.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey where we will explore global approaches to entrepreneurship education, particularly in science, technology, and innovation,” Mr Olobashola said.
