The Federal Ministry of Education says it is strengthening teacher capacity and promoting safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments for children across Nigeria.
The Ministry stated this in Abuja during a three-day Master Trainers Workshop on Safe Learning Environment, Gender-Responsive Pedagogy and ICT Skills for Educators in Teacher Training Institutions.
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Representing the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the Director of the College of Education, Dr Uchenna Uba, said increasing access to education must go hand in hand with protecting learners and promoting effective teaching and learning.
Dr Uba stressed the importance of equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills required to identify and respond appropriately to abuse, bullying and other threats to learners’ safety and wellbeing.
She referenced the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools, noting that teachers have a critical role to play in safeguarding learners and protecting their dignity.
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The workshop, organised as part of the Ministry’s collaboration with UNESCO, the Government of Japan and other development partners, is equipping 45 master trainers drawn from 15 teacher training institutions with specialised skills.
The training covers gender-responsive pedagogy, safe learning environments, prevention and response to school-related gender-based violence, as well as the integration of information and communication technology into teaching.
The trained master trainers are expected to cascade the knowledge and skills acquired to about 500 teachers and educators in their respective institutions.
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The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining collaboration with UNESCO, Japan and the African Union to strengthen teacher development and promote inclusive education across the country.
The Ministry said the initiative would contribute to creating learning environments where children can learn safely, participate equally and realise their full potential.