Chidimma UCHEGBU
Nigerian teachers have been urged to engage in lifelong learning to remain relevant to learners’ aspirations in a fast-changing global environment.
This was contained in the recommendations arising from the 2023 Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Online Annual Conference of Registered Teachers.
The recommendations, made available to the press by the Registrar of TRCN, Prof Josiah Ajiboye, in a statement on Saturday, also called on teachers to embrace technology and embark on professional development to make themselves technology-compliant.
“Teachers should imbibe a culture of self-development and team learning through a positive attitude for learning, peer collaboration, and a culture of trust and respect.
“Teachers should engage in lifelong learning be it formal or informal, personal or professional, to remain relevant to learners’ aspirations in a fast-changing global environment, for personal growth and to secure the integrity of the teaching profession,” the recommendations said.
Ajiboye disclosed that the theme of the 2023 conference was “Promoting Community of Practice among Nigerian Teachers for Effective Service Delivery” with resource persons and speakers drawn from across the globe.
He called on stakeholders across Nigeria to embrace and implement all recommendations made at the just-concluded 2023 online teachers conference, adding that this will strengthen teaching and learning in the 21st century in line with Sustainable Development Goal four, SDG-4.
The TRCN boss said the conference, which was held on August 30 and 31, 2023 recorded massive participation of teachers from the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.
“Records indicated that over 15,000 persons registered for the conference online among which over 12, 000 participants followed the live streaming on the Council’s and UNESCO’s social media handles, and 2,300 others participated in the programme via the viewing centers set up in States and the FCT,” he said.
The conference was held with the support of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria, PLANE, Save-the-Children-International, SCI, Development Research and Project Centre, DRPC, and the TY Danjuma Foundation.
TRCN, in the recommendations also advocated fostering of a supportive environment to inspire and motivate teachers through case studies and best practices.
Other recommendations are to promote the use of various digital tools by teachers for effective service delivery and for stakeholders to support teachers in nurturing and sustain a teacher mentorship programme where tech-savvy teachers guide and support their colleagues in using technology effectively.
On technology integration, the council recommended the use of educational technology tools, online resources, a community hub and a virtual community of practice platform.
“Establish community centres with reliable internet connections in rural areas, Create and support community-based internet access hubs in rural areas to provide reliable and affordable internet connectivity to teachers to access online resources and participate in CoPs.
“Set up solar-powered or other alternative energy sources to ensure uninterrupted power supply, addressing challenges related to electricity availability.
Other recommendations were for stakeholders to collaborate with telecom companies and government agencies to improve internet infrastructure in underserved areas, as well as offer regular workshops and training sessions on digital literacy, targeting both basic and advanced skills, among others.
