In a bid to strengthen the capacity of teachers and prepare them for the post-COVID-19 period, while also initiating strategies to enhance teaching and learning, the Lagos State Ministry of Education has organised a virtual training for public school teachers and stakeholders in the sector ahead of school resumption.
Addressing participants before the commencement of the webinar training, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, said that the training was designed to develop teachers’ competencies as well as inform them on best practices towards managing challenges created by COVID-19 in the education sector.
According to the Commissioner, “This seminar will prepare the teachers ahead of resumption and update them with trending facts to upscale their teaching skills towards managing the children for better performances in academics”.
Adefisayo further stressed that the theme of the webinar, “Mitigating Strategies against Erosion in the Education Sector”, became imperative in view of the current global crisis and the need for stakeholders in the education sector to stay safe, sane and healthy during this period.
While acknowledging the State Government’s unrelenting efforts towards reducing the spread of the Coronavirus disease, the Commissioner opined that considering the long stay of students at home due to the closure of schools, the pupils are likely to be faced with challenges on resumption.
According to her, “Such challenges, which may range from hunger, sexual abuse, domestic violence, emotional, social and psychological vices, will necessitate the urgent need to prepare the minds of teachers to adapt to the demands of the “New Normal” by empowering them on possible ways of dealing with the students, extending love and assuring them that this phase cannot hinder their bright future”.
She explained that the training’s primary focus will be on three key dimensions, with emphasis on Graphology – An Essential Tool in Predictive Learning, Effective Communication for Developing; Maintaining an All-Round Stable Learner and, most importantly, Child’s Right and Laws (Where to Find Help for the Unstable Learner), pointing out that each session will be facilitated by well-seasoned and experienced professionals in Child Development.
In her words, “The objective is to remain relevant and productive during the post-COVID-19 era, hence, the urgent need to equip our teachers with the necessary skills to face and overcome challenges posed by the pandemic become imperative”.
Adefisayo, therefore, implored the participants to be innovative as well as maximise the opportunities presented by the training to improve themselves and enhance the sector.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede Adelaja expressed optimism that the webinar will enable stakeholders to discover new methods of relating to students and adapting to the new normal.
She urged participants and teachers to take advantage of the opportunities inherent in the three-day Training Programme, adding that the State will not relent in its commitment towards improving the standard of teaching and learning outcomes in the State.
The Guest Speaker, Mr. Oladipupo Macjob, CEO MACDIPTOY Consulting Limited, commended the Lagos State Government for the laudable initiative aimed at preparing teachers for the job ahead.
He, however, admonished participants of the virtual learning to fully embrace the programme for the purpose of enhancing teaching and learning in the State.
