Nigeria — Strengthening the Foundation of National Development
The African Forum for Innovative Teachers (AFFiT) recently participated in a two-day national engagement on teacher education reforms, convened by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) in collaboration with UNESCO, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), researchers, policymakers, and key education stakeholders.
The engagement focused on strengthening Nigeria’s teacher education system and aligning teacher preparation with global best practices and national development goals.
High-Level Deliberations on the Future of Teacher Education
The programme featured opening remarks by Dr. UC Uba, followed by goodwill messages from UNESCO representatives, reaffirming international support for strengthening teacher education in Nigeria.
A major highlight was the keynote address delivered by Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, Executive Secretary of the NCCE, who emphasized the urgent need to reposition teacher education as the cornerstone of educational transformation.
The event also featured a ministerial address delivered on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Education, reinforcing the government’s commitment to reforms that will improve teacher quality, relevance, and impact nationwide.
Key Reform Areas Discussed
Participants engaged in robust policy and technical discussions centered on critical reform priorities, including:
Transitioning from rote memorisation to transformative, learner-centred teaching approaches
Integrating research findings and modern innovations into teacher education curricula
Expanding the use of digital tools, ICT, and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes
Promoting inclusivity, mentorship, and cultural responsiveness in teacher preparation
Strengthening government–private sector collaboration to scale sustainable solutions
These discussions highlighted the urgent need to equip teachers with competencies required for a fast-changing global education landscape.
AFFiT Reaffirms Commitment to Reform and Collaboration
Through its participation, AFFiT reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education and strategic partners to ensure Nigeria’s teacher education system becomes a continental model of excellence.
The forum emphasized AFFiT’s ongoing role in advocacy, capacity building, innovation, and partnership-driven solutions that empower educators and improve learning outcomes.
Building a Stronger Future Through Teachers
The two-day engagement reinforced a shared understanding among stakeholders: teacher education lies at the heart of national development.
As reforms continue to take shape, AFFiT remains dedicated to supporting policies and programmes that prepare Nigerian teachers to thrive, lead, and inspire in an increasingly dynamic world