Funmi Ogundare
A total of 1,200 teachers drawn from public and private secondary schools in Lagos are to benefit from the CASIO model School training project, aimed at enriching teachers with teaching methodologies, engaging students in new and exciting ways to enhance hands-on learning and serve as a tool to unlock their potentials in the state.
The capacity workshop themed, ‘Equipping Educators with Enquiry-Based Methodology and Accuracy Skills in the 21st Century Classroom’, is a partnership between CASIO/ SKLD Integrated Services and the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the capacity building workshop, held in Lagos, yesterday, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun explained that educators have the responsibility to equip students with the tools they need to navigate a complex world and succeed in an ever-changing society.
Enquiry-based methodology, he stated, lies at the heart of transformation and empowers them to ask questions, explore multiple perspectives, and critically analyse information.
According to him, “As we all know, our classrooms have become vibrant hubs of knowledge and innovation, where students are not merely passive recipients of information, but active participants in their own learning journeys.
“Equally important in the 21st century classroom is the emphasis on accuracy skills. In an era of abundant information, students must learn to recognise fact from fiction, evaluate sources critically, and engage in rigorous research.
“ As educators, we must equip ourselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to guide our students in this process. By engaging in inquiry, they develop essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and effective communication.
The theme of the training, the Commissioner stated, reflects the pressing need to adapt teaching practices to meet the demands of the rapidly changing educational landscape, while appealing to them to approach the programme with an open mind and a commitment to professional growth.
Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Managing Director, SKLD Integrated Services, Mr. Tayo Osiyemi, commended the teachers and all education stakeholders for their efforts saying that they are key to delivering the sector.
He emphasised on the workshop saying that the collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education which commenced in 2019 has given birth to several initiatives with a view to enhancing the learning experiences of students through the training of teachers and provision of educational resources at various levels.
“We set up a Casio lab at the Lagos Education Resource Center ( ERC) in 2021, and took a bold step to train over 3,000 teachers on the effective use of analytical tools in the enhancement of learning in the classroom using the Casio scientific calculators as an example,” he said, adding that Casio aims to deliver five other laboratories in districts one to five of the Lagos State Education ministry while the ERC will serve district six.
Osiyemi said his organisation in collaboration with CASIO has donated 1,200 CASIO calculators to aid hands-on learning, adding that the training will extend till 2024.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Abayomi Abolaji appealed to participants to take advantage of the training opportunities saying that his office aims to improve teaching and learning and scale up the deliverables of teachers.
