JOSEF trains 110 teachers from 90 public primary schools

Stanley Ihedigbo

Non-Governmental Organization based in Nigeria, Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF), said it trained 110 teachers from 90 public primary schools Edo State in the conclusion of the 2023 Teachers Skills Enhancement Project (TSEP) with a “Close Out and Teachers Conference.”

JOSEF focuses on Education, Health, and Policy Advocacy as its core themes and, as the 2023 activities come to a close, they are already planning for the future.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor Matthew Izibili, FCIA, noted that  JOSEF’s educational interventions’ achievements  since 2019, including addressing the issue of secondary school dropout rates among girls in Imoga Community, Edo state, through enhanced education, mentoring, and entrepreneurship.

He further said, the Teachers for Effective Service Delivery (TESD) project, which successfully trained teachers from public primary schools in designing and utilizing Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs).

“These initiatives led to improved student retention, comprehension, and enthusiasm. The “Close Out Ceremony” aimed to create a platform for teachers to engage in a community of practice, where they could share ideas and experiences and address the challenges inherent in the teaching profession,” he explained.

In her remarks, Edo State Coordinator of the TY Danjuma Foundation, which supports JOSEF’s initiatives, Ms. Toyin Ajayi, emphasized the foundation’s alignment with health and education goals.

She commended the quality of the training provided to teachers and expressed gratitude to the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB) for approving the project.

In her keynote address, titled “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse teacher shortages,” the Education Secretary of Esan Central Local Government Area, Mrs. Oni-Idialu Esther, stressed the importance of dignifying and valuing the teaching profession.

She advised for teacher motivation, improved working environments, the encouragement of ICT use to enhance efficiency, and the reintroduction of Teachers Training Colleges.

Chief Responsibility Officer of JOSEF, Comrade Jude Obasanmi, Ph.D., explained that the 2023 program involved 60 teachers and eleven Learning and Development Officers, and had already seen the knowledge gained being applied effectively.

“The training covered various aspects of teaching, including classroom management, communication skills, time and stress management, and career growth,” he added.

Obasanmi commended the support from the TY Danjuma Foundation and SUBEB on the project.

Teachers who participated in the program reported positive outcomes, including increased engagement due to practical teaching materials, improved time management through the use of To-Do-Lists, enhanced stress management, and more effective use of online resources and technology such as Teachers Tablets (TT).

Looking ahead, participants called for the inclusion of more schools and teachers in future programs, the establishment of standardized teaching methods, and a renewed passion for teaching.

Goodwill messages were shared by various figures, including SBMC Chairman Alho Primary School Irrua, NUT chairmen for Esan Central and Esan West LGAs, and representatives from religious communities. Mrs. Ronke Ojeikere, the State Chairperson of Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All (CSACEFA), pledged support for JOSEF’s educational objectives.

The conference   presented certificates to participants and Education Secretaries from the two LGAs.

Notable guests at the event included High Chief Umane Okhilua of the Okaijesan Palace, Irrua, Ehizoyanyan Paul, Education Secretary, Comrade Okoebor Thomas, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) for Esan Central, Comrade Omiawele Andrew, Chairman of NUT for Esan West, and Edward Irabor, Chairperson of the SBMC for Esan Central, among others.