Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, has implored educators to equip students with tools and skills to navigate the complex world and succeed in an ever-changing society.
Alli-Balogun stated this at the opening ceremony of the Casio Model School project themed, ‘equipping educators with enquiry-based methodology and accuracy skills in the 21st century classroom’. Through the project, about 1200 teachers would be equipped with innovative skills for teaching.
The commissioner added that the theme reflects the pressing need to adapt to teaching practices that meet the demands of the rapidly changing educational landscape.
“As we all know, our classrooms have become vibrant hubs of knowledge and innovation, where students are not merely passive recipients of information, but active participants in their own learning journeys.”
As educators, it is our responsibility to equip them with the tools they need to navigate this complex world and succeed in an ever-changing society.
“Enquiry-based methodology lies at the heart of this transformation. It empowers students to ask questions, explore multiple perspectives, and critically analyze information. By engaging in inquiry, they develop essential skills such as problem solving, creativity, and effective communication.
“Equally important in the 21st century classroom is the emphasis on accuracy skills. In an era of abundant information, students must learn to recognise fact from fiction, evaluate sources critically, and engage in rigorous research. As educators, we must equip ourselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to guide our students in this process.”
Alli-Balogun stated that the capacity-building programme has been designed with the above goals in mind, urging all the 1200 teachers to approach the programme with an open mind and a commitment to professional growth.
“Embrace the challenges that lie ahead, for they are opportunities to transform the lives of our students and shape the future of education. Together, we can create classrooms that inspire, empower, and prepare our young learners for the complexities of the 21st century.”
In her goodwill message, Chairman, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs. Victoria Peregrino, said education is the bedrock of any country, maintaining that once a nation gets its right, every other things fall in place.
“Any society that has attained development, looks at its education sector, it is the brain behind it.”
Peregrino stated that the education sector in Lagos is happy about the collaboration, as it would birth a lot of development and make learning and teaching better.
The Deputy Managing Director, SKLD Integrated Services Limited, Tayo Osiyemi, noted that with the collaboration between Lagos State government and Casio/SKLD, the future of the country is secured in the delivery of quality education
He added that the partnership has given birth to a number of significant projects, stating that the Casio model school will deliver 1200 teachers between now and March 2024, to equip teachers with the skills they need so that they could keep up with technology development in the education sector.