FCT CITY LIBRARY HOLDS WORKSHOP TO ENHANCE TEACHERS’ KNOWLEDGE AND STUDENTS’ LITERACY SKILLS.

By: Odugbo Sarah.

In a bid to strengthen the teaching and learning of English Language and Literature in FCT Schools, the City Library, a division under FCT Education Resource Centre (ERC) in collaboration with Sprezzatura Publishers has organized a one-day interactive workshop for English Language and Literature Teachers and Students in the Federal Capital Territory.

The capacity-building program, held at the City Library, Wuse Zone 4, was designed to continually update the knowledge of teachers and inspire greater academic commitment among students toward excellence in both internal and external examinations.

Speaking at the event, the Director, FCT Education Resource Centre, Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, emphasized the need for teachers to constantly upgrade their subject knowledge and adopt innovative teaching methods, especially in English Language and Literature. She informed that plans have been concluded to train 100 Teachers across the six Area Councils in the Territory on the New Curriculum implementation for easy understanding and smooth implementation of the process by FCT Schools. She added that many concerns of Teachers and School Administrators will be addressed during the Train the Trainers 5 days     program by the Centre.

She stated further that the workshop is a laudable initiative as English Language and Literature subjects are key in passing any examinations and the need to comply with WAEC standards in the recommended textbooks.

She said  that the FCT Education Resource Centre is intensifying efforts to ensure that  every phase of the implementation is done with ease through the provision of Teaching skills to make the new curriculum easier for Teachers to teach. She therefore  commended FCT Teachers for their dedication, noting that the workshop was essential to improving the overall academic performance of the Students.

Dr. Abdulrahim further stressed that the FCT Education Secretariat, under the leadership of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo remains committed to prioritizing the academic success of Students across the Territory. She noted that the FCT City Library has continued to fulfill its mandate of sensitizing, creating awareness, and equipping both students and residents with relevant information and academic resources that add value to learning outcomes.

While commending the collaboration with Sprezzatura Publishers, she called for the sustainability of such partnerships to ensure lasting positive impacts on teachers and learners.

In his keynote address titled,’ Empowering Minds, Enriching lives: The Power of English and Literature Education” Dr. Mohammed Sani Abubakar,the Director of  Research and Documentation at PY Buratai Research Centre, acknowledged the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of their Students describing Teaching as a noble profession that shapes minds and transform  lives. He explained that Education is more than just imparting knowledge but about critical thinking, creativity, curiosity as well as equipping Students with skills to navigate life’s challenges and make informed decisions.

Drawing from his personal experience, he urged Teachers to remain exemplary role models and create a safe space for the Students under their custody in developing empathy and tolerance while encouraging Students to cultivate a strong reading culture, stay inquisitive, study diligently, and shun vices that could jeopardize their academic and moral growth.

Speaking earlier, the Head of the City Library, Mr. Lawrence Akumuo, described the workshop as imperative to raising students who are well-grounded in the dynamics of English Language and Literature .

According to him, the capacity building program was designed to continually update the knowledge of Teachers, shared experiences and develop strategies for greater academic commitment and improve the Students’ vocabulary skills towards excellence in both internal and external Examinations. He urged Students to aspire to become writers, authors, and authorities in their chosen fields, while commending the partnership with the Sprezzatura Publishers as an impactful and enriching initiative to FCT Schools.

The highlight of the one-day capacity building program held at the City Library, Wuse, was a question-and-answer session and a celebrity reading segment, leaving participants inspired and better equipped for effective teaching and learning.