UBEC holds workshop to improve teaching, learning of science, maths in Nigeria

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has organised a workshop to build teachers’ capacity in mathematics and science across the country. 

Speaking at the workshop, Hamid Bobboyi, executive secretary of UBEC, said the training was executed under the commission’s strengthening of mathematics and science education (SMASE) and jolly phonics programmes for teachers.

Bobboyi, who was represented by Bala Zakari, also said the commission has continuously injected the teachers’ professional development (TPD) fund into the training of teachers to build teachers’ capacity in SMASE.

He said UBEC recognised the crucial role of science and mathematics in technological advancement.

“In any developed world or any nation aspiring for technological development, the priority given to the study of science and mathematics is always high. Nigeria is not left out in this aspiration for technological and scientific advancement,” he said.

The UBEC boss said the jolly phonics programme has been adopted as the flagship programme of the commission on early-grade reading.

On his part, Aleshin Olumayowa, UBEC’s director of teachers development, said SMASE is used to train teachers on how to improvise, and how to help learners in learning science and mathematics.

“If the teacher does not know how to deliver and deliver properly, a learner will not learn and learning outcomes that we’re expecting will not be there,” he said.

“So if you build the capacity of the teacher to effectively deliver and deliver whatever subject that he is handling, deliver it so that the learners can learn it in a very simple and effective way.

“And also, jolly phonics is a fun way of teaching phonics and because children are involved they will not forget because it’s about practice eventually.”