Education
THE National Universities Commission (NUC) said it has made significant strides in advancing information and communication technology (ICT) penetration within the Nigerian education system.
Prof. Chris Maiyaki, acting Executive Secretary of the commission disclosed this in Kaduna on Tuesday at the opening of the 1st NTI Annual National Conference 2023.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference has as its theme: ”Re-directing the Focus of Education Stakeholders Towards Modern Process of Producing Competent, Dedicated and Professional Teachers in Nigeria”.
The executive director, represented by Prof. Mohammed Yahaya of the University of Ibadan said since 2009. NUC has led the charge in implementing various programmes aimed at integrating Open and Distance Learning (ODL) methodologies, in line with global best practices.
He said through these initiatives, university staff have been empowered to harness technology for enhanced students’ engagement.
Maiyaki said, “Additionally, the establishment of ODL Centers by universities has expanded access to education, making it more inclusive.
“The NUC’s efforts extended beyond ICT, as it has also paved the way for the establishment of Private Open Universities, fostering digital learning and ICT-driven educational delivery.”
He added that the adoption of E-Learning guidelines and guidelines on Transnational Education had further positioned Nigerian universities on the global stage.
Maiyaki said that this included NUC’s policy guidelines on Entrepreneurship Education and Innovations in Nigerian Universities.
According to him, they have been instrumental in equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.
He said, “The collaboration with the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) to promote entrepreneurship and develop entrepreneurial mindsets underscores the commitment to preparing students for a dynamic and competitive world.”
Maiyaki further disclosed that NUC’s forward-thinking approach led to discussions with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
It centred on the creation of a Nigeria Triple Helix Association, which further reinforced the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and the community.
Maiyaki said, “The development of Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) with a focus on 21st-century employability skills is a testament to NUC’s dedication to equipping students for the demands of the modern workforce.
“The expansion of disciplines within the Nigerian University System, including Computing and its various branches, demonstrates a commitment to staying in line with global best practices.”
The executive secretary, however, congratulated NTI over the organisation of the conference and urged all the stakeholders to actively engage in the discussions and initiatives from it.
“Let us approach the deliberations of this conference with open minds, a spirit of collaboration, and a dedication to transformative action.
” The future of our nation depends on the commitment and competence of our educators by redirecting our focus towards modern processes, we lay the foundation for a vibrant, relevant, and globally competitive educational system.
“Let us remain steadfast in our dedication to producing competent, dedicated, and professional teachers who will shape the future of our great nation.
”May this conference be a catalyst for positive change, a forum for insightful conversations, and a celebration of the noble profession of teaching,” Maiyaki added.
Also, Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) described the conference as timely and apt.
He said that the resolutions and outcome would be of immense support to NCCE for refocusing of education in Nigeria.
The executive secretary, represented by Mr Garba Koko, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Okwelle stressed that the importance of teacher education in any nation could not be over emphasised.
He said that that teachers were the most important factor in ensuring meaningful national transformation of educational polices in line with the expectations of the society.
“Teachers must be professionally trained so as to be skillful and competent for effective service delivery.
“Teachers are expected to imbibe the skills, competencies, creativity and dedication that would enhance the success of the learners.
“This can be achieved when teachers as role models exhibit modesty in their physical appearance, attitude mental ability and competencies, among others.
“This can be achieved especially in improving teacher’s welfare especially salaries and making the profession attractive,” he added.
Okwelle expressed optimism that the conference would make recommendations for the overall benefit of teacher education in Nigeria.
”So that the sector can produce the professional teachers for the younger generations. No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers.”
On his part, Prof. Bashir Usman, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE), Kaduna said the commission was a critical stakeholder in the education sector.
He said it has the mandate to implement the Nomadic Education Programme (NEP) through the provision of unfettered access to functional and quality basic education to children of nomadic pastoralists, migrant fishers folk and farmers in Nigeria.
The executive secretary, represented by Mrs Bisola Olusa, Assistant Director, Administration said that NTI and NCNE were partners in progress in the provision of quality basic education.
“NTI has trained the Nomadic Primary School teachers from Gombe for the North-East, Zamfara for North-West and Niger for the North- Central and sponsored several programmes on NTI Teachers Radio 102.1 FM.
“We commend the Federal Ministry of Education, Universal Education Commission (UBEC) and NTI while we look forward to consolidating the collaborative process of producing competent, dedicated and professional nomadic teachers in Nigeria,” Usman added. (NAN)
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November 9, 2023 @ 6:19 GMT|
Tags: Prof. Chris Maiyaki
