Education
EAC, Polish firm introduce new teaching methodology to primary schools in Oyo
Solving the myriad of difficulties in the teaching-learning process confronting teachers and the students, as well as preparing them for the 21st century standard, an Ibadan based educational centre – Educational Advancement Centre (EAC), in partnership with a Polish firm, WhyBlueSky, on Tuesday, introduced new teaching methodology, named ‘Activity-Based Learning’ to some primary schools in Oyo state.
WhyBlueSky, which has been cooperating with low-income primary schools in Southern Nigeria, is assisting teachers to deliver instructions better by igniting the curiosity of the learners through the newly introduced ‘Activity-Based Learning’ strategy.
It also trained teachers on the four Cs of learning, which included critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity, which develop students’ competencies and skills that they needed for a successful life and satisfying employment.
Speaking at a one-day training workshop organised for some primary school teachers in the state on activity-based methodology for learning, the Founder, WhyBlueSky, Agata Wilam, noted that the work place has changed, thus teachers must not only change, but a desirable model for the children they teach.
She explained that the aim was to train the teachers according to curriculum on the innovative teaching method which was built on the rhythmic successes recorded by the Children’s University – an after school programme exploring children’s curiosity.
The Polish educationist added that the new learning method targeted at stimulating the interest of the children, mostly focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while some language courses are also included.
Wilam, who said she was in Nigeria to introduce new innovative teaching method to teachers and children said, “Poland has a very good education system and probably one of the best in PISA rankings, so I shouldn’t complain. Still , I find some missing paths in education. The Activity-Based Learning enable the teachers to fully experienced what learning by doing is.
“Everywhere, children are asking questions, this is not only in my country, everywhere they are curious, they are smart, they want to know, they want answers. So, why don’t we create the opportunity for them, engage them in activities about those topics that are interesting to them and they discover the answers together.
“We are cooperating with schools in Southern Nigeria to train teachers. Our workshops are interactive. The main ways for children to learn is by doing.
“When they do (children) things that are real and practical, they find the connection between real world and education. Children learn by research and they learn by doing things,” she stressed.
Speaking further, she maintained that the ‘Activity-Based Learning’ methodology makes learning enjoyable and easy to understand, saying “When you do things that are enjoyable, it is much easier to understand and be motivated to do it better than reading about it.
Wilam continued, “They don’t need to memorise everything. What they need is to convert the learning to problem-solving skills. It is skills that are needed in the 21st century. You just have to know how to do things based on what you know and available resources.
“Sit, listen, read, and memorise, that was how education was being structured in the past. But the 21st century skills needed are critical thinking , communication, collaboration (do things together), creativity which is beyond art but problem solving . We are focusing on those things, activity-based learning will help the children to develop those skills,” she added.
Also commenting, the EAC Coordinator, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, averred that practical is the real learning activity, suggesting that for Nigeria to compete among the comity of nations, the education curriculum should be changed.
He added that its content should be tailored towards problem solving.
“We should change our curriculum; It is no longer an issue of knowledge content but ability to do things. Students are being taught to learn as new problems are showing up. We put too much emphasis on certificates; we don’t look at what people can do and that’s our undoing. So, we should shift the focus from that,” he insisted.
According to Bamgbose, education is not supposed to be a problem for children, but something they will look forward to.
He said, “Children at a tender age work on things and they were able to deduce. These are the things that give people life skills. If we can get our children to look forward to learning, then we can change the whole paradigm and scope of education.”
Expressing his satisfaction with the partnership, the EAC coordinator noted, “We cannot singularly solve the problem of Nigeria or the problem of the world. If you find a good thing, I believe we have a responsibility to showcase it so that many more people will tap into it and go and make a difference.
“If it is so much of what we can do, we’ll be limited.That’s why we called them to come and learn new things that will transform their schools and impact the lives of the children. If we don’t do it, we’ll be doing the incoming generation a disservice.
“When the children can be creative, there will be progress”, Bamgbose assured .
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Akintola Mabel, told journalists that the training has exposed her to the practical approach, especially on how to ignite the curiosity of her students in learning.
Mabel, who noted that most children are kinaesthetic, also added that with constant engagement and encouragement, the newly introduced teaching methodology would be adopted in Nigeria.
She, however promised to replicate the teaching method in her school, especially for the pre-primary and primary school pupils, as “it is easy to remember what you see.”
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the commencement of its Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates, starting from October 25, 2024.
The examination is set to run until December 20, 2024, according to a statement released by the council on Tuesday.
In a bid to modernise the examination process, WAEC disclosed that the CBWASSCE will be conducted in a hybrid format.
Adesina Fadekemi, the council’s spokesperson, explained that the objective or multiple-choice questions would be displayed onscreen, requiring candidates to submit their responses electronically.
However, for essay and practical questions, while the questions will also be presented digitally, candidates will still provide answers using traditional answer booklets.
Additionally, WAEC has provided an option for candidates who prefer to use the conventional Paper and Pen mode for all exam papers, catering to those not comfortable with the digital format.
The council also extended the registration deadline for the upcoming CBWASSCE to Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Candidates who miss the registration window can still take advantage of the “Walk-in-Candidate” option, allowing them to register 24 hours before their preferred paper is scheduled.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, has reaffirmed his commitment to aiding the Federal Polytechnic Ayede in realising its full potential.
Senator Akintunde made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the institution’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker highlighted his passion for contributing to humanity, especially through the advancement of education and skills development.
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“I am part of the polytechnic system. I started at The Polytechnic, Ibadan before going to Lagos State University, Ojoo, Lagos. I’m a lover of knowledge and I am always striving to contribute my quota in the area of education and skills development, among others, and in the legislative assignments as my primary responsibility,” he stated.
The APC chieftain further emphasised his dedication to supporting the Polytechnic and its community, stating that leaders should be driven by a commitment to serving humanity.
He cited the legacy of Hon. Olu Afolabi, a Second Republic House of Representatives member, who was instrumental in establishing the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
“Afolabi’s legacy remains evergreen today,” Akintunde remarked, emphasising the importance of creating lasting impacts through public service.
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As part of his developmental projects for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Akintunde disclosed that he had procured 120 solar-powered boreholes to be installed across the 118 wards of the 11 local governments in his senatorial district, along with 10,000 solar street lights.
He assured the Federal Polytechnic Ayede that some of these solar street lights would be installed within the institution to enhance security and visibility on campus.
Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the acting Rector and Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Azeez Ojo, expressed gratitude to the senator.
The Rector noted that Senator Akintunde had demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropic causes even before assuming office as a senator.
“You see, it’s a great privilege receiving Distinguished Senator Yunus Akintunde and his entourage on our campus today. Out of your magnanimity, Sir, you have decided to receive us,” Ojo said, acknowledging the senator’s gesture.
“Our Rector is away to Abuja for the progress and development of our Polytechnic. So, on behalf of the Chairman of our Governing Council, Barrister Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu; Rector; other Principal Officers; Deans; Directors; staff, and students, I welcome you and your entourage to Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
“While on Brave FM, you have, before even telling us, announced the gesture of solar lights donated to us. This we appreciate with the whole of our hearts,” he said.
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The Rector assured the lawmaker that his support would be instrumental in the continued growth and development of the fast-expanding institution.
The visit concluded with the Polytechnic community expressing hope for further collaboration with the senator in the areas of educational and infrastructural development.
(c) Mega Icon Magazine
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised serious concerns over the mass exit of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University, citing deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions as primary reasons for the exodus.
The worrying development was brought to light during a press conference held by ASUU on Friday, where officials of the union detailed the various challenges faced by academic staff at the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, lamented the lack of proper policies to retain top scholars, pointing out the absence of a formal employee exit policy.
“Many of our best scholars have been forced to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” Timothy said, adding that “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place, as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”
He further explained that the lack of such provisions leaves academic staff insecure about their future. “Without a pension or death benefit scheme, our members feel unsafe and unsure of their long-term prospects,” Timothy remarked.
In addition to these grievances, the union condemned the university’s administration for its failure to pay over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners. This has further deepened the discontent among staff members.
“Despite the university generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy disclosed.
The union also raised concerns over the sharp increase in student fees, coupled with the administration’s neglect of staff training and development.
Timothy criticised the university for imposing over a 100 percent hike in fees for regular undergraduate programmes, yet failing to address staff welfare.
“The university claims it lacks funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” he stated.
ASUU also expressed displeasure with the continued tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in office since the university’s inception.
The union called for adherence to established regulations governing appointments, arguing that the prolonged tenure has stifled accountability and hindered the implementation of progressive policies.
In light of these critical issues, ASUU urged the Bauchi State Government and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address staff welfare, calling for the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.
“Unless these issues are resolved, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He further called on the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure that all contentious matters are urgently addressed, securing the future of both academic staff and the institution.
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