Imo commends IHS Nigeria, UNICEF for 200 teachers’ training, school connectivity programme

The Imo State Government has commended IHS Nigeria Limited and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for organising a digital empowerment and training programme for 200 teachers and principals drawn from public schools in the State under the IHS Digital Literacy and School Connectivity initiative.

Bernard Thompson Ikegwuoha, Professor and Imo State Commissioner for Secondary and Primary Education, represented by the Executive Secretary, Secondary Education Management Board, Theresa Okwu, gave this commendation on behalf of the State Government during the training, which was held in Owerri, the Imo State Capital on Wednesday.

Ikegwuoha said the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma had raised the education standards in the State, adding that the digital literacy programme of IHS Nigeria would serve as a complement to the already established digitally-focused educational system the State enjoy.

The commissioner noted that the training would go a long way in supporting primary and secondary education in the State and advised the teachers and beneficiaries of the digital training to ensure that their students benefit from the training as they return to their various schools.

Owunna Vivian, Director, Data Digital Platforms and Analytics, represented by the Executive Chairman, Imo SUBEB, Chidiebere Egboh, described the gesture as a “wonderful opportunity to improve the teachers’ digital skills.

Olaonipekun Kazeem, the Executive Director, Focus Teens Foundation, and project implementing partner, also noted that through the School Connectivity Programme, IHS Nigeria, had been providing schools with internet access and digital learning opportunities that would empower teachers and students to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

He said the training involved 100 schools and 200 teachers and principals, explaining that each school was represented by two teachers or principals.

He advised the participants to use the internet access to improve their teaching and lesson preparations, integrate digital tools into the classroom instruction, and practise safe and responsible online behaviour.

Olaonipekun submitted that after the digital training session, participants should be in a better position to introduce students to future-ready skills, manage limited digital resources effectively and promote digital citizenship among learners.

He added that teachers would become digitally confident, more resourceful educators, better classroom innovators, facilitators of future ready leaning as well as being champions of safe internet use.

The highlight of the training was the presentation of a free internet router to each of the participating schools to improve knowledge-based education and facilitate the usage of internet service for learning by both teachers and students.