Bayelsa Partners with British Council to Train 400 Teachers

The Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund is working with the British Council and the Teachers Training Registration and Certification Board to train 400 teachers and school leaders in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this five-day training will focus on improving English Language skills, digital teaching methods, and leadership abilities.

While opening the workshop, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Gentle Emelah, stated that being good at English is very important for better academic results.

Mr Emelah said that Bayelsa is no longer seen as educationally disadvantaged due to the hard work of past and present governments in the state.

He encouraged participants to use this training to boost their skills and help improve learning for their students.

The Executive Secretary of the education fund, Ebimieowei Etebu, said this initiative aims to improve education delivery in Bayelsa.

Mr Etebu, who is a professor, asked teachers and school leaders to accept digital tools and new teaching methods, even though there are challenges in using them.

He mentioned that the main goal is to turn the skills learned into real improvements in teaching and learning in classrooms.

Fwanshishak Daniel, who leads the British Council team, said Bayelsa is a leader in teacher development in Nigeria.

Mr Daniel noted that some new ideas tested in Bayelsa, like teacher accountability learning contracts and state-funded mobile data for self-study, are now being used in other areas of Nigeria.

He explained that these measures have helped boost teachers’ involvement and performance in professional development programs.

In a message of support, Stella Ugolo, the chairman of the Teachers Training Registration and Certification Board, urged teachers to keep high professional standards in their work.

Mrs Ugolo emphasized the importance of personal discipline and good classroom management to ensure quality teaching.

The Executive Secretary of the Post Primary Schools Board, Faith Ogbara, confirmed the board’s commitment to back teacher training efforts.

Mr Ogbara said that continuous investment in teachers’ professional growth is key to raising education standards in Bayelsa.

NAN reports that the five-day program includes tools for classroom engagement, digital strategies, and school leadership training to improve learning outcomes in schools.