Edo, Ondo Polls: Electoral Training Institute Holds Certified Trainers Course

The Director General of the Electoral Institute, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris said the training has been meticulously designed with a primary focus on professionalism and competence recognition “that in today’s dynamic world, the role of a trainer extends far beyond imparting knowledge; it demands a deep understanding of instructional design, Training needs assessment, effective communication strategies, and the ability to inspire and engage learners from diverse backgrounds”.

Dr Sa’ad informed participants that they would have the opportunity to delve into advanced methodologies and best practices essential for delivering impactful training sessions.

He noted that the facilitators comprise seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of experience and academic rigor to guide them through a unique learning experience.

“They are committed to not only sharing theoretical frameworks but also imparting practical insights that you can immediately apply in your professional roles as State Training Officers, STOs, and training Coordinators”.

He described the course as not just about acquiring a certificate but about investing in their continuous growth and development as trainers. “By the end of this program, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of the principles of adult learning and training evaluation but also sharpen your ability to design and deliver training programs that make a tangible difference”.

Dr Sa’ad Umar Idris encouraged the participants to actively participate, engage with their peers, and take full advantage of the resources and networking opportunities available during the course. Considering that their dedication and commitment to professional excellence are what drives the institute to ensure that the training exceeds their expectations.

He expressed appreciation to the INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Commission members for approving the training, the Chairman BEI, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru for his visionary leadership of the Institute, members of the Board of Electoral Institute, BEI, for their support for all TEI programmes, IFES who have consistently provided support and technical expertise to ensure the Commission achieves professionalism of its staff and its quest to uphold international best practices in delivering on its mandate to conduct free, fair, transparent, credible and inclusive elections.

Significant milestone

Chairman, of the Board of Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru said the course marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system stating that the role of trainers in shaping the knowledge and skills of electoral officials cannot be overstated because it is they who ensure that electoral personnel are not only well-prepared but also equipped to uphold the integrity and efficiency of the nation’s electoral processes and procedures.

“Throughout the course of this training, our esteemed trainers and facilitators from both the Electoral Institute and IFES will guide you through a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster professionalism and competence in electoral training. You will delve into topics ranging from key ingredients of learning to innovative training methodologies and techniques” he said.

Zuru noted that “The collaboration between the Electoral Institute and IFES underscores our shared commitment to promoting democratic governance and electoral excellence. Together, we aim to empower you, our State Training Officers, with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct training programs that meet the highest standards of professionalism and efficacy”.

He encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, exchange experiences, and leverage this platform to expand their professional network as the insights they gain and the relationships they build here will not only benefit their personal growth but also contribute to the broader advancement of electoral practices as contained in the guidelines and regulations for the conduct of elections 2022 and other ancillary electoral laws.

“As we embark on this journey of learning and discovery, let us embrace the opportunity to enhance our collective capacity and reaffirm our dedication to the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and electoral integrity”.

Transformative experience 

The management of the Electoral Institute hopes that the Certified Trainers Course will be a transformative experience that equips participants with the tools and expertise to make a lasting impact on the country’s electoral process.

The three days Certified Trainers Course is pivotal to the capacity-building initiative of INEC through the Electoral Institute for personnel who would eventually train different categories of electoral officials for the 16 November Edo and 26 September 2024 Ondo, as well as the 2025 Adamawa State governorship and other bye-elections.

Emmanuel Ukoh