Dr Olufolayimika Ayandele, Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District III, has called on the Lagos State Government to ensure availability of digital infrastructure and connectivity to boost learning in rural and riverine areas.
Ayandele made the remarks at the virtual celebration of World Teachers’ Day organised by Education District III, Lagos State on Thursday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Education District III, Lagos State rewarded some teachers for their support and contributions towards virtual learning during lock down of schools.
Mrs Modinat Edu, retired Director/Principal, Government Comprehensive Junior College, Iyana -Ipaja, Agege was also given an award for the monitoring of reading book project and beautification of the school environment, an initiative of Dr Ayandele
L-R; Commendation recipient, Mrs Odubolanle; Dr Olufolayimika Ayandele, Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District III and Mrs Modinat Edu, retired Director/Principal, Government Comprehensive Junior College, Iyana -Ipaja, Agege
The district also honoured the memories of their late colleagues who made the supreme sacrifice and succumbed before and during COVID-19 pandemic.
She said that to build a more resilient teacher workforce during post COVID-19 and averting a learning catastrophe, all teachers should be equipped with digital and pedagogical skills.
“Teachers should be equipped with online and through blended or hybrid learning whether in higher, lower or non-tech environments.
“Lagos state government and stakeholders need to continue to protect teachers’ safety, health and well being of teachers in the state.
“This year’s 2020 World Teachers’ Day celebrated the heroism of teachers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly added to the challenges faced by already stretched education systems throughout the world,’’ Ayandele said.
She added that the issue of teacher leadership were critical in terms of the contributions teachers had made to provide learning in remote areas.
“They support vulnerable populations, reopen schools and ensure that learning gaps were bridged.
“Our focus on this occasion shall address the role of teachers in building resilience and shaping the future of education and the teaching profession,’’ Ayandele said.
She said that during the crisis, teachers in Education District III particularly and Lagos State had shown great leadership and innovation in the quality of intervention programmes.
L-R; Pastor Akinrinmade Sunday, Living Spring Baptist Church, Lagos; Dr Olufolayimika Ayandele, Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District III and Imam Gaji Ajibola, Lagos central mosque.
“They ensured that learning never stops and that no learner is left behind.
“Our teachers worked individually and collectively to break the challenges and find solutions by creating new learning environment for the learners to ensure that education continue unabatedly.
“Teachers embrace new technologies and re-arm to confront the challenges frontally by confirming that they are firmly in charge with education.
“The future of education cannot be reimaging without the pivotal role of teachers and going forward to post COVID-19 era,’’ Ayandele said.
Mrs Senami Aderinsola, former Tutor-General/permanent Secretary, Lagos State Education District four urged teachers to be passionate about their work and always strive for excellence in spite of the current situation in the country.
Aderinsola, also the guest speaker said that there was need to rebound, rebrand and rejuvenate which could help us to prepare for education future in the country
“Crisis is a time of transformation and kudos to all teachers who positively engage students during the pandemic.
“This is the age of information explosion, there is a need for students to be guarded adequately and positively.
“Classroom activities must encourage conversation and not commands and linking between teachers and students must be dynamic,’’ she said.
Dr Olufolayimika Ayandele, Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District III and Mr Adedoyin Adesina, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos State
Mr Adedoyin Adesina, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos State branch appealed to awarded teachers not to relent on hardworking, diligent and delivery teaching services to the students.
The event was also used to recognize the effort of Member, Representing Epe Federal Constituency, Honourable Wale Raji for his contributions to the development of Education In Lagos State and Education District 3.
Representative of Member, Representing Epe Federal Constituency, Honourable Wale Raji
