By Cleopatra Eki
NurtureHouse Consulting collaborates with Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to induct 1000 new teachers in the Public service. Chief Executive Officer, NurtureHouse Consulting, Ayopeju Njideaka speaking at 5-day induction programme held LCCl lkeja Lagos.
“We excited to see new teacher capacity development programs yield impactful results. The feedback from inductees was so positive that the leadership of the Teaching Service Commission decided to make it a compulsory program for all newly employed education officers.”
The event is in line with sustaining premium education and unflinching commitment of Lagos State Government to up-skill, enhance and integrate educators in the noble profession.
The 5th cohort is unique approach and designed to help newly employed education officers transition smoothly into their role and equip them with essential knowledge and skills needed in the dynamic public school system that will empower them for Outstanding Learner Performance.
According to her,”our new teacher development programs launched since 2020 have great impact with huge success.”
She added that unlike traditional programs, our teachers gain classroom experience before induction, reflecting feedback from our first group. This ensures the program directly addresses their initial challenges.
Lagos State is one of the few progressive states in Nigeria, particularly in education, among other areas. The induction program is one of the ways Lagos State continues to fulfill this promise.
Njideaka recalled that the collaboration from inception till date have equiped 5000 teachers directly, many more senior colleagues influenced by the young teachers.
Their impacts on the educational systems and students performance are numerous and outstanding, they have better understanding of students, exposure to global trends in education – use of technology, AI -a growing learning community where they share best ideas and knowledge.
Some of our teachers have carted away with Best Teachers lnternational Awards and local Awards with amazing prizes, including foreign trips for some innovative teachers and students from competitions in the past.We are expecting potential best teachers among this cohort.
Through past induction programs we have worked with the Teaching Service Commission to achieve the underlisted;-Acclimatize New Education Officers: Help them understand their role as public servants in general and policies, culture, and expectations of the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission.
-Professional Development: Equip them with the latest teaching methodologies and classroom management techniques in line with global best practices.
-Networking: Facilitate connections with fellow education officers, administrative staff, and key stakeholders.
-Resource Orientation: Introduce them to current educational resources and support systems including technology.
-Student-Centric Focus: Emphasize the importance of student welfare and effective teaching strategies to enhance continuous improvement in student learning outcomes.
Mrs Victoria Peregrino,TESCOM Chairman said that it was not enough to have academic knowledge.
She hoped that the programme would contribute meaningfully to education development in Lagos State.
Commending Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for uplifting education standards in the state, the chairman said that Sanwo-Olu’s administration had provided a conducive environment for teachers to work well.
“This training is to make you resourceful and contribute meaningfully to the progress of education in Lagos State. We expect you to put to practice, the academic knowledge you have acquired,” she said.
Peregrino said that there was the need for teachers to take into consideration students’ mental and academic abilities, emotional state, total wellbeing and environments.
“They have acquired the academic qualifications needed to teach, but they need to know how to interact with students, fellow teachers, the principal, the community, other stakeholders in the education system and the society at large.
“We want our students to excel in every aspect of education and be able to compete with their peers globally,” she added.
Mr Akin Alamu Nurture House Consulting and Educator said that Sanwo-Olu’s administration prioritised teachers’ training.
Alamu also equiped
the teachers on issues of Emotional intelligence self awareness and self discipline among others
Mrs Iyabo Seriki-Bello, Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, said that the commission needed teachers by choice, not by force.
Seriki-Bello described teachers as mind builders, saying that they must be passionate about their profession.
“Teachers must have the ability to adapt to the changing world and be technology savvy.
“With technology, you can think locally and act globally.
Earlier, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye, TESCOM Commissioner Two, in Ikeja, advised the inductees to make maximum use of their employment opportunities to contribute to the development of the state.
Mrs Joy Peter, a new inductee and Biology teacher said the employment is based on merit, competence and qualifications ,no biases nor discrimination.
The indigene of Ogun State said she has learnt alot about class management, control and discipline. In addition, alot about the Lagos State Civil service codes of conduct, point of entry, exit, discipline and opportunities.
Speaking to a visually impaired teacher, Mr Okera Saheed appreciated the state for caring for people with disability in employment and public service training.
A Basic Science Teacher of United Christian Junior Secondary School, Mr Sanni Dotun Faruk said” he learnt some new ideas, skills at the workshop.
He will be networking with other teachers, facilitators and others to stand out in his profession. “
Concurrently, the induction programmes run across 3 locations with total of 1000 new teachers in lkeja Oshodi and Ikorodu Lagos state .
