By Ahmed Ahmed
The Office of the Vice President, in collaboration with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), has launched a two-day training program for 100 teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects in Taraba State.
This initiative is part of the Accelerated Senior Secondary School Education Programme (ASSEP), aimed at improving the quality of education in six North-Eastern states.
Dr. Augusta Godwin, Commissioner for Education in Taraba State on Thursday in Jalingo said the training aligns with the state government’s free education policy, which aims to enhance teaching and learning in the state.
Godwin assured that all teachers would receive training in fields beyond STEM, including artificial intelligence (AI).
“The ASSEP initiative is one of the components in the blueprint of the free education policy of Governor Agbu Kefas’ administration.
“We are committed to providing quality education to our students, and this training program is a significant step towards achieving that goal.”Godwin explained.
Mr. Idris Goje, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, noted that 100 teachers were carefully selected out of the 500 ASSAP teachers in the state for the training.
Goje further stated that there were 100 designated schools under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program in the state, with a total of over 5,000 students.
The training program is part of the federal government’s efforts to improve the quality of education in the North-East region. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the education sector in Taraba State and beyond.
The training program, which is a follow-up to an online version, aims to equip teachers with modern techniques and skills required for 21st-century teaching.
Mr. Musa Bulama, Team Lead of Trainers, emphasized that the initiative seeks to improve student learning, foster healthy competition, and promote excellence in STEM subjects.
“The ASSEP intervention project is an initiative by the Office of the Vice President and the North East Development Commission, focusing on STEM education towards driving future development and human empowerment in Nigeria’s North-East region,” Bulama said.
Participants expressed delight with the training, citing its potential to boost their capacity in teaching sciences and technology subjects.
The program is expected to enhance science and technology innovation for teachers and promote excellence in STEM education in Taraba State.
