The National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna and the Universal Basic Education Commission, have commenced the training of 50 science and mathematics teachers from police primary and secondary schools across Nigeria.

The seven-day training workshop opened on Wednesday at the institute’s headquarters in Kaduna

Speaking at the event, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Colleges of Education and Related Institutions, Mr Adamu Tanko, advocated investment in knowledge that was applicable, especially artificial intelligence.

Mr Tanko, who is the member representing Suleja, Tafa and Gurara Federal Constituency of Niger, while declaring it open, charged the participants to be creative and find ways to catch-up with the rest of the world.

He expressed determination that with investment in the area of science and technology it would be achievable.

Mr Tanko said, “I am most delighted to be part of the event and my presence has underscored the importance of education accorded by the 10th House of Representatives.”

He emphasised the importance of education and informed the gathering that the 10th Assembly would continue to support motions that would bring about positive change in the country.

Mr Tanko added, “This initiative by the NTU and UBEC will improve the quality of mathematics and sciences. I am urging the participants to engage and actively participate to make a significant impact on the learning outcome of the pupils and students in their various schools.”

The Director and Chief Executive of the Institute, Prof. Musa Garba-Maitafsir said the aim of the ‘Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education’ Nigeria programme was to upgrade the teaching skills of primary and secondary school teachers and learning skills of pupils in mathematics and science.

He said, “This is in agreement with the provision of National Policy on Education (FGN, 2013), which emphasises a paradigm shift in educational practices from teacher-centeredness to learner-centeredness.”

Mr Garba-Maitafsir said the basic aim of the ‘‘SMASE approach of Activity Students Centered Experiment and Improvisation-Plan, Do, See and Improve (ASEI-PDSI)’’ was to promote positive change of teachers’ attitude to teaching profession.

According to him, it is also to improve performances in subject mastery, pedagogical skills, resource utilisation as well as pupils/students’ participation and engagement in the classroom.

He, therefore, urged the participants, who were from selected Nigeria Police Force Education Units across the country to share ideas and knowledge, through what he described as “minds-on hands-on, and hearts-on activities.’’

Mr Garba-Maitafsir said, “This is to improve classroom engagement and ensure effective step-down of the skills of fellow teachers.”

The representative of UBEC, Leshin Olumayowa, emphasised that the training of mathematics and sciences was a special one, adding that the commission was happy with NTI.

The Police Force Education Officer, Kaduna State Command, ACP Ibidayo Olubuyi, while appreciating NTI urged the participants to assimilate the training so that maximum and positive impact can be recorded.

The representative of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Samuel Olusegun-Ayandeji, acting Director, Human Resources Department, Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research, Kaduna, lauder NTI, UBEC and the Nigeria Police for organising the training.

NTI is collaborating with UBEC in the training, which customised ‘Cycle One and Two’ is training for 50 master-trainers from Police Education Force.

The SMASE project was introduced in the year 2006 with full sponsorship and support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which exited and handed the project to the Nigerian government in February, 2014.

This project has been transformed into a programme and institutionalised through the effort of relevant stakeholders at national, state and local levels.

The partners also include the Federal Ministry of Education and sister agencies like UBEC, NCCE, TRCN, NMC, NERDC and SUBEBs, while the programme has now reached its greater height.

(NAN)