By; Imrana Abdullahi
The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has commenced the training of primary and secondary schools teachers under the federal ministry of defence, today, Monday, February 19.
Declaring the training open, which is under the Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE), the Director and Chief Executive of NTI, Kaduna, Prof Musa Garba Maitafsir said the training marks a significant milestone in the Institute’s on-going effort to elevate the standard of education in the country.
Prof. Maitafsir, said NTI had a month ago successfully trained teachers of the Nigerian Police Force across the country.
This underscores our commitment to reaching every corner of our nation and empowering educators with knowledge and skills needed, ” he said.
According to the Director and Chief Executive of NTI, Nigeria needs a science that is good for a developing economy, that enhances development in all aspects.
“We want science and technology that can propose and produce something.
” Our science should always give way for innovation and development,” he emphasised.
Prof. Maitafsir urged the Institute’s collaborating partners to embrace the opportunity, exchange ideas and share best practices as well as forge a lasting partnership that will drive positive change in the classroom and communities.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, represented by the commission’s Director Teacher Professional Development, Mr. Mayowa Alesin, said UBEC has been supporting capacity building of many agencies and today is for the Ministry of Defence.
He expressed confidence in the ability of NTI to give the teachers the best and described it as a good academic environment.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, mni, represented by the Director Education Services Department, of the ministry, Mr. Marcus Kurah, having commended the Chief of Defence Staff for releasing the teachers and NTI as well as UBEC for the training, urged the participants to learn and interact during the training session.
Mr. Alesin said the foundation of technological development is science and enjoined the teachers to utilise the training opportunity.
” Therefore, if we actually want practice, the Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) is the way to go,” he emphasised.
In the same vein, the Commandant, Nigerian Airforce Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM), Air Vice Marshall M. Yusuf, while commending NTI, expressed willingness to collaborate with the Institute, soon.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Ag. Director , Academic Services Department of NTI, Dr. Oyedeji Mobolaji Omobola, having expressed her satisfaction, said the Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education programme holds immense promise in elevating the quality of education for students.
” Let us approach this training with enthusiasm and a commitment to learn and grow.
” Together, let us harness the power of education to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators,” she said.
Dr. Mobolaji applauded and described as ” invaluable, UBEC’s support in making the training possible.”
The training, which is scheduled between February 19 and 24 has 50 participants with representatives from the Nigerian Army, Airforce and Navy.
The primary and secondary schools teachers under the federal ministry of defence during the opening ceremony held at SMASE Red Chamber Hall, NTI Kaduna, today
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