UBEC Organizes Workshop to Enhance Teachers' Capacity in Mathematics, Science Education, and Jolly P
A workshop has been organized by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) with the aim of enhancing teachers' skills in Mathematics and Science Education through the Strengthening of Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) program, as well as providing training on the Jolly Phonics program. This workshop is designed for teachers from all over the country.
During the workshop, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, addressed the participants and highlighted the extensive implementation of the Strengthening of Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) program and Jolly Phonics within the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program for over a decade. Prof. Bala Zakari, representing Dr. Bobboyi, emphasized the significant impact of SMASE as a crucial initiative in fortifying the teaching and learning of science and mathematics in basic education.
He further stated that the Teachers Professional Development (TPD) fund has consistently been allocated by the commission to train teachers and enhance their capabilities in the SMASE program.
"These two programs have been successfully implemented for over a decade within the UBE programs. I confidently assert that SMASE has played a pivotal role in fortifying the teaching and learning of science and mathematics in the UBE. In any developed country or any nation striving for technological advancement, the emphasis placed on science and mathematics education is always significant. Nigeria is no exception to this pursuit of technological and scientific progress."
Since its introduction by JICA in 2006 and subsequent piloting in Kaduna, Plateau, and Niger states, the adoption of SMASE has elevated the teaching of science and mathematics, aligning it with the prescribed methodologies outlined in the program.
Following the transfer of responsibility for the program, UBEC took the initiative to consistently allocate the TPD fund to train teachers, recognizing the essential role they play in effectively implementing SMASE. This decision was driven by the recognition of teachers' pivotal contributions to the successful delivery of the program.
The head of UBEC announced that the Jolly Phonics program has been chosen as the flagship initiative of the Commission for early grade reading.
He emphasized the significance of reading in a learner's life, highlighting that early literacy skills are instrumental in preventing dropout rates and ensuring success, as they establish a strong foundation for continuous learning and personal growth.
"Recognizing this crucial aspect, the Commission has embraced the Jolly Phonics program and its methodology to enhance the capabilities of basic education teachers in effectively teaching reading in schools," he further stated.
Additionally, addressing the participants, Aleshin Olumayowa, the Director of Teachers Development in the commission, explained that SMASE serves as a training platform for teachers, equipping them with improvisation techniques and effective strategies to support students in learning science and mathematics.
Olumayowa further emphasized that SMASE not only enables teachers to deliver the subjects more effectively but also enhances students' comprehension and assimilation. Furthermore, he highlighted that the Jolly Phonics program serves as the flagship reading program of the commission.
Without the proper delivery and effective teaching by the teacher, the learner's ability to grasp and achieve the desired learning outcomes will be hindered. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the teacher's capacity to deliver any subject in a simple and effective manner, ensuring optimal learning for the students.
Furthermore, the use of Jolly Phonics as a teaching method is not only enjoyable but also helps children retain what they learn through practice, ensuring long-term retention, as stated by Olumayowa.
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