9mobile Trains Lagos Teachers on Effective Classroom Communication

Uchechukwu Nnaike

As part of efforts to improve the quality of education and enhance the development and wellbeing of the Nigerian child, Nigeria’s telecom provider and youth-friendly brand, 9mobile, recently organised a one-day train-the-trainer workshop for teachers within the Lagos State Education District III, comprising Lagos Island and Etiosa Local Councils.

With the theme ‘Understanding Affirmative Communication and the Emotional and Psychological Needs of a Child’, the workshop was an opportunity to equip teachers with the skills to manage and influence the upcoming generation of students to be future agents of positive change.

Facilitators Emike Oyemade, a trained counsellor and therapist, and Adesoga John-Mabun, a certified life coach and management trainer, identified areas that need improvement in the management of the teacher-student relationship.

Oyemade said teachers need to adapt to the new realities of the times. “As teachers, your style of communication must align with modern reality. You must learn to speak and understand your students’ language, use the right words to impact and influence them, and connect to correct where mistakes have been made.”

On his part, Mabun stressed the importance of adopting a communication style that enhances the synergy between teachers and students.

He said: “You cannot deliver well if you do not see your students as your children. Understanding the psychological and emotional needs of your students is a skill, and you must be deliberate about it.”

Commenting on the workshop, the Executive Director, Regulator and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Mr. Abdulraham Ado, represented by the PR Lead, Chineze Amanfo, restated the company’s commitment to prioritising the interest of the youths. He said it will continue to invest in initiatives that impact their development.

“Some months ago, we held a career counselling session for students of Akande Dehunsi Senior Secondary School. Today, we are back with a train the trainer workshop for teachers.”

He said the company organised the training because teachers play a critical role in shaping a child’s future aside from guiding students in academics and extracurricular activities.

One of the participants, Mr. Akande Abideen of Akande Dahunsi Senior School, Ikoyi, described the workshop as informative, eye-opening, and helpful. He encouraged his colleagues to put to good use all they learnt from the session to improve their relationship with their students.