Abiru innovation lab trains over 100 teachers in digital, entrepreneurial skills

Tokunbo Abiru, senator representing Lagos east, says teachers in public and private schools in the senatorial district can now apply for the 2023 Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL) training.

The innovation lab is a youth empowerment programme focused on developing a community innovation space for young people within the district.

The programme is in partnership with the Co-creation Hub (Cc-HUB), a technology and social enterprise company.

In a statement on Monday, Deji Abisola, SAIL project consultant, announced that the lab had graduated over 100 teachers in public and private schools.

Abisola said about 1,500 teachers applied for the training and 950 were selected for the online class which will last for 30 days.

The physical class was said to have admitted about 120 teachers, while 105 were said to have graduated.

“The Lagos east teachers fellowship has provided an invaluable platform for educators to learn, grow, and develop their skills,” Abisola said.

“This year’s graduates have been trained in Inquiry-Based Learning, a cutting-edge pedagogical approach that encourages students to actively engage with the learning process.

“This dynamic method is designed to stimulate curiosity and foster critical thinking, preparing the young minds of today for the challenges of tomorrow.

“In addition to Inquiry-Based Learning, our graduates (Lagos East Teachers’ Fellowship) have also been equipped with the knowledge and tools to integrate technology into their classrooms effectively.

“This is particularly significant, as we live in a rapidly evolving digital age where technology has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. By embracing the use of technology in education, we are opening doors to a myriad of opportunities that will enhance the learning experiences of our students and ultimately, shape the future of our society.”

The project consultant said the organisation will launch Ikorodu Teachers Lounge as a virtual community that will strengthen knowledge dissemination among teachers who have graduated from SAIL.

“Today, we also have the pleasure of launching the Ikorodu Teachers’ Lounge. This innovative space, made possible by the visionary leadership of Senator Tokunbo Abiru through his endowment pillar platform, the TACT Foundation, will serve as a hub for educators to connect, collaborate, and share best practices with one another,” he added.

“The Ikorodu Teachers’ Lounge is a testament to our commitment to fostering a strong community of educators who are dedicated to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning.”

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Tokunbo Abiru, represented by Saheed Ibikunle, his special adviser on constituency matters, congratulated the teachers on the completion of the training.

Ibikunle urged the teachers to use the knowledge acquired from the training to impact the students and enhance their teaching approaches.

Also speaking, Chinyelu Akpa, practice lead for education at re:learn, an initiative of CcHub, commended the senator for allowing the teachers to develop their capacities.

“The Ikorodu Teachers’ Lounge offers registered teachers free access to the SAIL Lab, a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide an ideal environment for study, work, and research,” Akpa said.

“Teachers can utilize the lab for free between 3-5pm daily, although advance booking is required to ensure a smooth and organized experience for all users.
“In addition to providing a space for individual work and study, the Ikorodu Teachers’ Lounge aims to foster a sense of community among educators in Lagos east.

“Every Friday, the Lounge will host community events specifically geared towards the professional development and growth of local teachers.

“These events will facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking, ultimately contributing to the improvement of education in the district.”