The Universal Basic Education, UBEC in Nigeria has commenced training for 1,480 teachers using the the Multigrade and Mixed Ability pedagogical approaches.
This aims to address teacher shortages in rural and hard-to-reach schools across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The Executive Secretary of UBEC Dr. Hammid Bobboyi at the flag off ceremony in Abuja Nigeria said one of the challenges bedevilling the UBEC implementation in Nigeria is the inability of some learners to access quality education that translates to improved learning outcomes due to their location.
Dr Bobboyi said; “Some who have access in the rural areas do not have the opportunity to have teachers available due to the challenge of bad terrain.
“The consequence of this is low enrolment and increase in the number of out of school children as learners lose interest in education and drop-out from school.”
“In the rural and hard to reach areas, the provision of quality education is challenging as attracting and retaining qualified teachers is difficult and this causes parents/guardians to be less inclined in enrolling their children in school or be withdrawing them from school since their education needs are not met.
“The general outcry by stakeholders over the dearth of teaching staff in the rural and hard to reach schools attests to this fact,” he said.
Dr Bobboyi emphasised that in response to this challenge, which impedes the achievement of the set objectives of the UBE programme, the Commission has launched a capacity-building programme on multigrade/mixed classroom pedagogies. This initiative aims to empower teachers in rural and hard-to-reach schools with the skills needed for effective teaching and managing learners at various levels or grades within the classroom.
“Our gathering today is a remarkable one as it portrays the commitment and Interest of the Nigerian Government at providing an unfettered and quality basic education to every Nigerian child notwithstanding their location and background,” he said.
According to him, the initiative transcends the acquisition of skills and knowledge as it imbues in teachers a mind-set for embracing diversity, innovation, collaboration and motivation for improved learning outcome.
“In a world where classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse and complex, it is essential for teachers to be equipped with strategies that will enable them effectively engage and support learners irrespective of their age, ability, Interest and socio-economic background.
“The multigrade and mixed ability teaching approach allows teachers to create inclusive and dynamic learning environments where every learner has the opportunity to thrive and succeed,” he said.
Dr Bobboyi said the Nigerian Government through the UBEC is committed to addressing whatever challenges facing effective teaching and learning and to make all learners in Nigeria able to effectively compete with their contemporaries globally.
“In this vein, I am pleased to inform you of the Investment the Commission is making in introducing technology into our schools and classes. SMART schools are being built nationwide and teachers are also being given skills in digital literacy to enable them facilitate using technology.
“This will also be extended to the rural areas. We are aware of the challenges of electricity and Internet which may militate against achieving this objective. It should gladden our hearts that efforts are on to make available alternative power supply for the provision of electricity and we are also working with some development partners and internet providers to address the challenge of internet service for the schools in the rural areas,” he said.
Dr Bobboyi commended the efforts of the development partners who have been coming up with initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges in the implementation of basic education in Nigeria.
He stressed that the initiative being flagged off was adapted from the UNICEF programme and has proven to impact learning outcomes in the rural schools.
Dr Bobboyi reminded the participants that the success of the programme lies with their ability to replicate and utilise skills acquired in the training in the classroom, saying “the Commission shall be visiting soon to conduct a monitoring and assessment of the utilisation of the skill.”
The Director Teacher Development, UBEC, Mr Mayowa Aleshin said the training underscores the fact that different challenges militating against effective teaching and learning in any location are earmarked for solution.
“One of the solutions is the capacity building of teachers to arrest learning poverty in the schools in the Rural and Hard to Reach Areas and to ensure every child in school receives quality education.
“The Multigrade pedagogy is therefore available as a panacea to address this challenges of Out of school children,” he said
Aleshin said 40 teachers were selected each from the 36 states and FCT, bringing the total number of teachers being trained to 1,480.
The Director Basic Education Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake David
said the training programme was designed to equip teachers with the tools and techniques they need to thrive in the hard to reach demanding environments.
She said; “Multigrade and mixed ability pedagogy offers a framework for effective teaching in classrooms with students of multiple age groups and varying learning abilities.
“By learning these strategies, our teachers will be better equipped to:create engaging and differentiated lessons that cater for the diverse needs of their students.”
“Foster a collaborative learning environment where students learn from and support each other. Utilize innovative teaching methods and resources to maximize learning outcomes in resource-constrained settings,” she said.
Training Manuals on the Multigrade and mixed ability pedagogy approach were presented to Teachers, Consultants and other stakeholders.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
