By Remi Johnson
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has trained over 400 teachers on innovation and entrepreneurship education, towards building smart and relevant 21st century teachers.
The essence of the training is to keep Abuja teachers abreast with current innovations in teaching methodology on how to meaningfully impact entrepreneurship education skills in students for socio- economic development.
The teachers , drawn from both public and private schools across the six area councils are expected to step down the knowledge garnered to students.
This is with a view to building a generation of young- minds equipped with great business ideas and vocational skills to earn money, rather than just churning out certificate holders.
The training which was organised in collaboration with Brunel University Business School, United Kingdom, is the 3rd series held in Abuja, with Principals and Vice Principals’ Academy, earlier mentored on this initiative.
FCT Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat, Mrs. Joy Okeke, tasked the teachers to take the training seriously in other to produce students that would compete favourably with other climes.
“Today’s training continues that momentum by equipping classroom teachers with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to infuse entrepreneurial thinking into everyday teaching.
“If we succeed in making education a standard practice in our schools, we will have succeeded in preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and nation-builders”
Earlier, Director, FCT Science Innovation and Technology, Mr kolawole Olobashola who explained that every nation needs innovative advancement to be relevant among commity of nations.
He affirmed that the strategy will empower students to be innovative in producing and packaging quality products in a unique manner that
will earn them money to be self reliant financially.
One of the participants who is an Educational Psychologist, Mrs. Ezinne Jenifer Solomon-Zhiya, described the initiative as timely and pledged commitment to ensure that the desired goals are achieved.
Speaking via Zoom, the representative of the Brunel University Business School, United Kingdom, Dr Ben Brut noted that entrepreneurship provides an enormous opportunity to make real difference, rather than graduating students roaming the streets for jobs that were not readily available.
“I like to wish all of you the best. We thank you once again for making the commitment to invest, support and educate the workforce of the future”.
Giving the overview, the Director FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB), said the initiative strategically aligns with the commitment of Wike led administration in repositioning the education sector in the territory.
He assured that the initiative would strengthen the existing foundation at the classroom , equiped teachers with skills to thrive in an ever- changing world , as well as fosters community and industry collaboration.
Speaking on Sustainability, Dr Ladan said the programme is deeply rooted in the FCT inclusive school system.
“We are very much committed because we want to catch them young. We are tired of graduating students without a skill, and sustainability is not going to be a problem.
“Through this training, we introduce strategies for integrating entrepreneurial thinking across subjects and classes, ensuring that all students benefit regardless of their field of study.
“Education should not exist in isolation. The inclusion of artisans, entrepreneurs, and business mentors in this programme reflects our commitment to bridging the gap between the classroom and the marketplace.
“These collaborations will provide students with hands-on learning experiences, apprenticeships, and real-world exposure.”Ladan said