EKO EDUCATORS WEBINAR SERIES 2.0: HEAD OF SERVICE CHARGES TEACHERS TO BRACE UP FOR INNOVATION
The Lagos State Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has charged Post-Primary School teachers in the State to collectively rise up to the present situation by reviewing old processes and procedures, including academic curricular for new ideas and innovations.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) Eko Educators Webinar Series 2.0, the HoS described teachers as nation builders who are equipped, uniquely positioned and lawfully charged with the responsibility of shaping the minds and future of many, through all the critical stages of human development, hence, possessing the greatest power of influence.
He commended TESCOM for the laudable initiative to represent a truly positive change in the approach to dealing with emerging issues, particularly in the face of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.
“I must commend, not only the timeliness of this event, but the vision and demonstrated commitment of the Teaching Service Commission leadership in preparing Lagos State Public School teachers for the next level. It is common knowledge, that knowledge facilitated by a conscious and deliberately structured educational process is the foundation for all progress accomplished to date and achievable by humanity. Therein lies the critical incontrovertible role of teachers”, he enthused.
He stressed that the success of all these measures are highly dependent on the quality and capacity of teachers, which brought to an end, the era of not being ICT compliant and the urgent need to adapt to new realities is non-negotiable and paramount.
Muri-Okunola urged the participants at the event not to see the opportunity as a privilege, but one that must not be taken for granted, adding that teachers must continue to improve themselves to meet up with the challenges of the new normal and ensure diligence as well as continuous publicity of all safety rules to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
He further disclosed that various efforts of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration in improving the Education Sector include the Digitalisation of Schools through EkoExcel and other various platforms; Development of the Home Grown Feeding Programme; Recruitment of 3000 Primary and Secondary School Teachers; Enhancement of the Public-Private-Partnership, and strengthening the Office of the Education Quality Assurance among others.
The Chairman, Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Olabisi Ariyo, affirmed that the issue of capacity building of teachers is top on the agenda of the Commission, as Teachers are believed to possess great power of influence in shaping the minds of these young generations as they are critical catalysts in bringing this reality to fruition.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, TESCOM, Mrs. Toyin Awoseyi, admonished all Post-Primary School teachers in Lagos State that beyond the virtual training, they should avail themselves with other numerous online training opportunities for self-development and keep abreast of emerging trends in their chosen profession.
The second series of the Eko Educator Webinar had over 3000 participants and two distinguished Guest Speakers: Dr. Tunji Abimbola (UK), who discussed “Vulnerability and Safety: Identification and Support” and Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi who spoke on “Abuse and its Consequences on the Child”.
