Kunle Adelabu
The SAIL Innovation Lab has graduated 4000 teachers equipped with knowledge and skills towards bringing about positive disruption in the teaching methods in classrooms.
According to report, the lucky graduands were picked from a pool of 15,000 applicants that put in for the training across the country, after a rigorous selection process.
The training, which was organised in partnership with the MTN Foundation, was aimed at improving the human capital development which is the focus of the co – founders of the lab, Senator Tokunbo Abiru and wife, Mrs Feyisola Abiru, and bringing about more innovative ways of teaching in the country’s educational system.
At the graduation ceremony, which was held at the SAIL Innovation Lab, Ebute, Ipakodo in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, were top government functionaries, political figures, royal fathers and other eminent guests.
Mr Deji Abisola, Chief Impact Officer, SAIL Innovation Lab, in his welcome address, introduced guests into the program and also explained how the initiative would impact on the educational system. He equally added that the program has been a success.
“The SAIL Teachers Fellowship Program has been a journey of empowerment, equipping educators with tools, knowledge and techniques to revolutionize classroom teaching across Nigeria.
“From the rigorous selection of 4,000 teachers from over 15,000 applicants, to the innovative delivery of training on inquiry-based learning and digital tools, each program has been a resounding success”.
While acknowledging the partnership with the telecommunication giant, MTN, and Co-Creation Hub (CC-Hub), the SAIL Impact Officer also congratulated the graduands .
“Today, as we celebrate the achievement of these remarkable teachers. We are not just applauding their dedication to personal growth, but recognizing their critical role in shaping the future of education and the lives of our children.
“Their testimonial and success stories are a testament to the transformative power of this program.
“To our graduating teachers, today is your day. You have proven that with determination and access to the right resources, change is possible in Nigeria. May you continue to inspire and transform the lives of your students as you embark on this new phase of your journey”, he said.
Mrs Shalom, one of the project managers from the CC – Hub, said that the fellowship worked with teachers across the 36 states of the federation, both in public and private secondary schools, in phases to achieve three main objectives.
“We have trained 4,000 teachers in two different phases with the aim of making the fellowship achieve three goals.
“The first is a transition from instructional to inquiry-based learning as a modern method of teaching. So, gone are the days where teachers used brick and mortar methods. We are at the digital age, and how can learners learn best?
“The second was improve their digital literacy skills in ways that meet the learning needs of the 21st century. So, we introduce them to digital skills and digital tools that can enhance their classroom teaching skills.
“Finally, we embrace innovative classroom management practices. For example, in public schools, they have a lot of students in their classrooms. What we did was to introduce them to innovative classroom management practices that can help them maximize the students they have in their classrooms and improve their learning outcomes”, she said.
In his remarks, Sen. Abiru emphasized that the program is to introduce innovations into classrooms by improving the capacity of teachers.
“The testimonies we’ve received affirmed the transformative power of this initiative. Classrooms are evolving into spaces of curiosity and innovation, touching the lives of thousands of Nigerian students.
“This program underscores our steadfast commitment to human capital development and educational advancement. We aim to scale this initiative further, with continued support from the MTN Foundation and other private-sector partners”, he said.
While congratulating the graduands, he charged them to use the skills acquired to effect positive changes.
“To our graduating teachers, take pride in your achievements today, but remember that this is only the beginning. Use these skills to shape and empower your communities and aspire to be the change-makers who will not only inspire the next generation, but redefine Nigeria’s role on the global stage.
“Together, we are not just improving education but investing in an innovative and prosperous future for our nation”, Sen. Abiru said.
Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, State Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), described Senator Abiru, whom he served with under the administration of Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, as a sensational and representative of the people, that is impacting positively.
He expressed the delightfulness of the party that he is representing as the chairman at the representation of the Senator and thanked stakeholders in Ikorodu for supporting him.
“He has deviated from the usual pattern of empowering materially which has not really been impactful, because the quantum of the materials being dished out to elevate the people from poverty, were being sold off as soon as they were given out.
“With what Senator Abiru has decided to do in empowering the people, he is preparing them for the future to become employers of labour.
“You are playing your part in building the future and making sure that one day, all of us will be called upon to give account of our stewardships. You can beat your chest as far as East Senatorial District is concerned that you have been able to impact on the lives of the people, both materially and in the area of human capital development”, Pastor Ojelabi.
“Today, I am delighted and I want to associate with you that you are a product of the All Progress Congress”, he said.
Pastor Ojelabi charged the teachers to take advantage of the training.
Hon. Tolani Sule, Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, said that his presence at the event has exposed him to wonderful project going on at the SAIL Innovation Lab, while congratulating and commending Sen. Abiru.
“The extent that a nation goes is the function of the education it has. Again, the quality of the educational system is equally determined by the quality of teachers that we have. If we put children under the tree, but in care of well – groomed and motivated teachers, the students will do very well”, he said.
The Commissioner said that the Lagos State is upgrading the physical infrastructures and also the quality of teachers, particularly in the area of digital education.
While commending the SAIL Lab for creating an enabling environment and digital contents, he said that the state government will collaborate with the Senator to improve the state’s educational system.
Oba Kabir Shotobi, who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers, also commended the initiators of the SAIL Lab and congratulated the teachers.
After the ceremony, Sen. Abiru conducted guests round the SAIL Lab facility.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony were Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of lgbogbo, Sir Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Minister of Works, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, APC chieftain, Chief Bode Oyedele, APC chieftain and Dr Saheed Ibikunle, Permanent Member, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Adeola Jokomba, State Secretary, APC and Alhaji Fatai Lasisi, former Special Adviser on Taxation among others.
