UBEC initiates training programme for 1,480 teachers to tackle rural education shortages

In a bid to address the critical shortage of educators in rural and hard-to-reach areas of Nigeria, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has initiated a comprehensive training programme for 1,480 teachers selected from across the country.

The training, flagged off by UBEC Executive Secretary, Hamid Bobboyi, focuses on imparting essential pedagogical skills tailored for multigrade and mixed ability classroom settings prevalent in primary schools situated in remote regions.

According to Bobboyi, the initiative aims to equip teachers with effective strategies to deliver quality education despite challenging pupil-teacher ratios and diverse student needs.

Bobboyi emphasised that the acute scarcity of teachers in rural locales often leads to a single teacher instructing multiple grade levels within one classroom, contributing to learning disparities.

The training in multigrade and mixed ability approaches seeks to empower educators to create inclusive and dynamic learning environments conducive to student success.

“The learning crisis in Nigeria is exacerbated by the lack of qualified teachers in remote areas,” stated Bobboyi, highlighting the pivotal role of specialised pedagogical techniques in overcoming educational disparities based on geographical location.

The training programme represents a strategic intervention by the federal government to bolster Universal Basic Education (UBE) implementation and ensure equitable access to quality education nationwide.

Bala Zakari, Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) of UBEC, also said that government is resolve to enhance learning outcomes for all Nigerian children, regardless of their circumstances.

Mayowa Aleshin, Director of Teacher Development at UBEC, explained that 40 teachers were selected from each state and the Federal Capital Territory, emphasising the nationwide scope of the initiative.