The All-Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) 2023 Southeast zone is holding a Mandatory Continuing Professional Training Programme (MCPT) in Anambra State.
Secondary School principals from Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo States are participating in the programme at Professor Dora Akunyili events and conference centre, Awka, the state capital.
Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, while declaring the event open, stated that Governor Soludo’s passion for education has remained unparalleled.
This was demonstrated immediately on his assumption of office by the employment of 5,000 teachers, while activities have commenced for employment of additional 3,000 teachers.
Commissioner Chuma-Udeh who was represented by the Director of Schools, Mrs. Ifeoma Agbaizu, further stated that Principals occupy highly placed position in Governor Soludo’s education agenda, as their roles in actualizing the education agenda of the State cannot be underestimated.
While assuring the South East Principals of enjoyable stay in Anambra State, the Education Commissioner charged them to maximize the benefits of the program for the progress of education.
Addressing the principals, Professor Abdulkarim Ishaq, ANCOPSS National Consultant, represented by Professor Williams Obiozor, spoke on the theme, “The Teacher Factor As An Impediment To Quality Output Of Secondary Education In Nigeria.”
“Teachers are the most important component of any educational system because they are the people to shape the behaviour, thinking and attitude of the pupils/ students in the teaching/learning situation. The quality of teachers determines the quality of teaching and knowledge imparted to the students and the quality of learning outcomes.”
Prof. Ishaq further disclosed that the teacher factor which deals with many aspects including the qualifications of teachers, competences, pre- service and in- service training of teachers, their numbers, recruitment, and deployment, has a certain impact on teacher effectiveness vis – a- viz quality of education provided.
He also stated that assessment of students’ learning behaviour is expected to be carried out in totality by assessing the student in all activities involving cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains.
Speaking at the event, the South East President of ANCOPSS, Sir Mathew Ikechukwu Uzuegbu stated that Anambra State has always played a leading role in Education.
He implored other Governors of the South East zone to prioritize infrastructure and human development in public schools.
He encouraged the participants to share their experiences and absorb the knowledge shared by their colleagues.
“As we return to our schools after this training, my hope is that we will implement the insight gained here to create more vibrant, effective, and inclusive learning environments. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of countless students,” Uzuegbu said.
The Anambra State President of ANCOPSS, Mr. Jovita Obinna Arazu who spoke earlier had listed the achievements of Governor Soludo in his drive to make education an equalizer.
He also disclosed some challenges in the education sector and called on the Governor to intervene.
“Some school WASSCE results for 2023 are still withheld by WAEC for alleged exam malpractice because they have no money to pay the lump sum of N500,000 demanded by the examination body.
“No implementation of the extension of the teachers’ service years to 40/65 years of age without any condition as has been done in almost all the States of the federation.
“Promotion of teachers to SGL 17(Tutor-General) as has been done in some states of the federation.
“Provision of a piece of land for the building of the ANCOPSS State Secretariat in the State.”
On their parts, the Secretary, Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), Mrs. Bernadine Ngozi Anagor and Secretary Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), urged the government to give them incentives and upgrade teachers’ salaries so as to alleviate their sufferings and attract more males into the sector.
