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Speaker Abbas Says Teachers Hold Key For Effective Teaching, Learning

Published

4 months ago

July 19, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has said that teachers hold the key for effective teaching and learning in society, even as they are critical as education is crucial to personal and collective national development.

Speaker Abbas who stated this at a public hearing on some bills to amend the Federal Colleges of Education and National Teachers Institute Acts organized by the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, reiterated the importance of teachers’ training and development.

He said: “The training and development of teachers are paramount in ensuring quality education for all. Teachers are not just purveyors of knowledge; they are mentors, guides, and role models who shape young minds into responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to society and instill values that will last a lifetime.

“By investing in teacher training programs and professional development initiatives, we are investing in the future of our nation”.

According to him, “education is not merely a tool for personal advancement and success; it is the bedrock upon which nations are built”.

“It is through education that we empower our youth, instill values of critical thinking and innovation, and equip them with the skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world.

“The importance of education transcends national boundaries and is recognized globally as a fundamental human right. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals underscore the critical role of education in achieving a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world.

“By prioritizing education reform through legislative amendments such as those proposed in these bills, we are aligning ourselves with international best practices and demonstrating our commitment to providing quality education for all.

“The proposed amendments to the Federal Colleges of Education and National Teachers Institute Acts signify a step towards enhancing the quality of teacher training programmes in our country.

“By updating these legislative frameworks, we aim to align our educational institutions with our national development priorities and global best practices, ensuring that our teachers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their profession.

“Federal Colleges of Education play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of educators who will mold the minds of our youth. These institutions serve as training grounds for teachers who are entrusted with the noble task of imparting knowledge and nurturing future leaders.

“By amending the Act governing these institutions, we have an opportunity to enhance their enhance the training received by aspiring educators, improve their capacity, improve standards, ensuring that they are equipped with modern teaching methodologies, pedagogical skills, subject matter expertise and ensure that they remain at the forefront of educational excellence. A well-trained teacher is a beacon of light in a student’s educational journey,” he added.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Adamu Lakoja, explained that the hearing is focused on bills to amend the existing National Teachers Institute’s Act, and seek to establish new Federal Colleges of Education: the FCE (Technical) Fufore, Adamawa State, FCE (Special), Dukku. Gombe State, and FCE (Technical) Otan-Ayebaju. Osun State.

He stated that this was crucial in advancing the field of education and ensuring the professional development of our educators.

“It is noteworthy that the Federal Colleges of Education and the National Teachers Institute play an important role in training and equipping professional basic education teachers in Nigeria.

“These institutions serve as pillars of excellence in teacher education, providing aspiring educators with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to mold the minds of the Nigerian students.

“The impact of quality teacher training cannot be overstated, as it directly influences the quality of education imparted to our students,” he stated.

News

Reps Urge FG To Make Available Reliable Data On Housing Deficit

Published

2 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide scientific, verifiable data on the housing deficit and improve access to affordable housing in the Nigeria.

This resolution was sequel to the adopting of a motion by Rep. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, on the “Provision of affordable housing in Nigeria,” Tuesday at plenary.

Rep. Ukpong-Udo who noted that data is considered an important factor in the planning and execution of projects across all tiers of government, said the housing sector in Nigeria, with a huge deficit, lacks veritable data for planning and execution of housing policies and strategies.

He stated: “The House is aware that according to the world population review, over 24 million people in Nigeria are homeless, with no appropriate access to proper dwelling with some basic social amenities.

“The House is worried that Nigeria is among the top 10 countries with homeless populations, leading with 24 million, followed by Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, and Congo.”

The House also expressed displeasure that the country relies on the World Bank report for housing data, and that for a nation to grow and enjoy stability, there is the need to have its housing data as well as a market that works efficiently and provides decent shelter for its citizens.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to address the lack of credible, scientific, and verifiable data on the state of housing in the country and ensure access to decent and affordable housing.

News

Provide Adequate Security For Transmission Towers Across Nigeria – Reps Tell FG

Published

2 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has charge the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior, to urgently provide adequate security for Transmission Towers across the country to avoid future occurrences of vandalism.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep Oboku Oforji, lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Kolokoma-Opokuma federal constituency of Bayelsa State on Tuesday at plenary.

In his lead debate, Rep. Oforji noted that on July 29, 2024, residents of Yenagoa and Bayelsa State in general woke up to a total blackout occasioned by the collapse of a Transmission Station between Emezhi and Mbaima in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State and three others between Igbogene and Nedugo Agbia in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to him, the Bayelsa State Government in collaboration with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, swiftly swung into action to address the challenges that has culminated in dwindling of socio-economic activities in the state.

He further noted that saddened that on the 19th of November, 2024, just as the work was nearing completion, at Ula-Akpata, in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, some hoodlums went and vandalised a section of the lines.

The motion reads in part: “By this development, the woes of the residents of Bayelsa State still subsist for one or two days, because as we speak the people of the State are in total blackout, this has been the situation for over 4 months.

“The efforts of the Bayelsa State Government in mobilizing financial and material resources to support the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is highly commended. However, proactive measures must be taken to forestall future occurrences of vandalism of these Transmission Towers.

“As a representative of my people this brings to mind the provisions of Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) which talks about our economic and social rights as citizens, which I believe should not be taken for granted by the government”.

The House adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Interior and Power to ensure compliance.

News

JUST IN: Tinubu Heading For France

Published

3 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for a state visit to France.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Emmanuel Macron invited his Nigerian counterpart to the European country.

Onanuga said the three-day visit will focus “on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation among others”.

“President Tinubu who will be traveling with the First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.”

“During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.

“Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative,” the statement read.

Tinubu and his wife who will be hosted to a state dinner by the French leader before their departure, will be accompanied by top government officials.