Education Key to Transforming Nigeria, Says NTI Director-General.
From : Our Reporter.
Prof. Sadiya Sani-Daura, the Director-General of the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) in Kaduna, stated that education is crucial for changing and transforming Nigeria.
She made this remark on Wednesday during the opening of nation wide training workshops for 222 basic school teachers from across the country.
The five-day training program focuses on E-learning, climate literacy, and green life skills. It is being conducted simultaneously in Kaduna and Lagos, with participants representing all 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The theme of the training is “Digital Pedagogy, Remote Learning, E-Learning, Climate Literacy, and Green Life Skills.”
This initiative was organized in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
Prof. Sani-Daura emphasized that with proper attention to the education sector, many negative narratives about Nigeria can change for the better.
She noted that previous challenges arose because education did not receive the necessary focus. With increased attention on education, significant improvements can be achieved, including efforts to combat criminality.
She expressed optimism about the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, highlighting its commitment to addressing the pressing issues in the education sector.
The Director-General reaffirmed NTI’s dedication to teacher training and development, stating that the institute will continue working to make Nigerian teachers globally competitive and help restore the nation’s lost global standing.
Prof. Sani-Daura described the training workshops as a significant milestone in the collective effort to enhance teacher education and strengthen basic education in Nigeria.
She pointed out that NTI, in partnership with UBEC, has consistently advocated for innovative strategies to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the evolving demands of modern education.
“Today’s workshops reflect this commitment, providing an opportunity for professional development aligned with global best practices and national priorities,” she said.
The first focus area—digital pedagogy, remote teaching, and e-learning—is especially relevant as technology has become an integral part of the teaching and learning process.
Teachers must be empowered with the necessary skills and tools to harness the potential of digital platforms, enhance instruction, engage learners, and foster critical thinking.
This training aims to bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and the emerging trends in educational technology, preparing teachers to succeed in the digital age.
On the topics of climate literacy and green life skills, the Director-General noted that the world is facing significant challenges due to climate change.
She stated, “Our responsibility as educators extends beyond academics. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping attitudes and behaviors that promote environmental sustainability.”
In his welcome address, Dr. Bature Salisu, Special Technical Assistant to the Director-General, highlighted the collaboration between NTI and UBEC as a reflection of their shared vision to advance teacher education.
He remarked that this initiative demonstrates NTI’s commitment to enhancing the professional capacity of teachers and addressing contemporary educational challenges.
According to Salisu, the training signifies a collective effort to equip teachers with innovative teaching methodologies and essential life skills to prepare students for the demands of the 21st century.
Mrs. Zainab Aliyu, the acting Registrar of the Institute, emphasized that the theme is both relevant and timely.
She urged Nigerian teachers to be creative and leverage technology effectively.
Teachers attending the workshop in Kaduna are from all the Northern states and the FCT, while participants in the Lagos center represent all the Southern states.
