The Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) has trained 504 teachers on a digital platform, enabling them to share ideas, strengthen professional practice, and improve learning outcomes.

The initiative, “Digital Community of Practice”, aims to build a community of digitally empowered teachers.

The programme, piloted in four local government areas, provided teachers with an opportunity to gain credit units under the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) scheme.

During the dissemination of certificates to the first participants on Friday in Kaduna, Diana Agabi, the state team lead of PLANE, explained that the training is centered on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), utilising digital platforms such as WhatsApp.

Ms Agabi said the initiative introduced teachers to global best practices in digital learning, stressing that online platforms are widely adopted internationally, and Nigerian teachers must also adopt them to improve their capacity and outcomes.

She added that the teachers were expected to share experiences, teaching feedback, and challenges on the platform, while colleagues respond with strategies, peer support, and innovative approaches to classroom management and inclusive learning.

Ms Agabi explained that teachers learn how to manage diverse situations, including handling learners with disabilities.

“The programme also complements the TRCN scheme by providing participants with additional credit units as proof of professional growth, as it encourages other teachers yet to register to do so,” she said.

The state coordinator of TRCN, Esther Natsa, said the council ensured accountability and improved teaching quality in Nigeria through structured programmes and policies, including accreditation of teacher training institutions.

Ms Natsa explained that TRCN established the Teachers Investigation Panel to address complaints against teachers, supported by the Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework.

The coordinator disclosed that the newly launched TRCN digital portal simplifies registration, licensing, and renewals, serving as a national database for tracking professional growth.

The acting executive chairman of the Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB), Mubarak Muhammad, stated that over 26,000 teachers have been trained in various thematic areas, including literacy and numeracy.

Mr Muhammad disclosed that Kaduna SUBEB planned to train over 6,000 teachers in the current academic session.

He explained that the training was low-cost and online, allowing teachers to learn at their own pace and reducing the burden of travel and large gatherings.

Mr Muhammad thanked TRCN’s efforts in driving digital literacy and opportunities for teachers, stating that Kaduna SUBEB was eager to work closely with them to ensure all teachers benefit from the initiative.

The PLANE programme, funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), aims to improve foundational learning outcomes.

Its interventions cut across six LGAs of Kaduna state. 

(NAN)