Presidency, Commission Enhance Science, Technology Teachers’ Classroom Delivery

The Office of the Vice President, in partnership with the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), has trained science and technology teachers in the six states in the zone on digital and technical skills to enhance classroom delivery.

The training, held under the Academic Support and Skills Enhancement Programme (ASSEP), targeted Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Agriculture (STEMA) teachers from senior secondary schools across the North-East region.

Speaking virtually at the two-day programme in Jalingo, the state capital yesterday, the senior special assistant to the President on Regional Development Programmes, Dr Mariam Masha, explained that the initiative was designed to strengthen teachers’ capacity to deliver 21st-century education.

Masha said the participants were drawn from the six states of the North-East zone: Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba, adding that the programme aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The presidential aide added that the training was aimed at bridging educational gaps and equipping teachers with digital and technical competencies needed to improve learning outcomes.

“The programme enhances teachers’ capacity to integrate technology into teaching methods and boost education outcomes in the region,” she said.

Taraba State commissioner for Basic Education, Dr Augustina Godwin, urged the teachers to encourage students to take up science-related subjects, noting the shortage of qualified science teachers in the state.

She particularly identified gaps in the availability of physics and chemistry teachers, and warned that the trend could negatively impact the production of professionals such as engineers and medical doctors.

Dr Godwin said the ministry would strengthen guidance and counselling services in schools to promote science education and career awareness among students.

She also pledged collaboration with the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) to motivate students to pursue science and technology disciplines.

The commissioner, who commended the organisers, stressed that continuous teacher training is critical to improving teaching quality and learning outcomes.

Some of the participants, Miss Janet Yakubu and Mr Yahaya Kabiru, said the programme exposed them to the use of artificial intelligence and inclusive teaching strategies to address the needs of diverse learners.