Train the Trainer Program Equips Jigawa State Teachers for Digital Education Transformation
NEWS DIGEST – In a bid to revolutionize education through digital transformation, the Office of the Technical Adviser on ICT and Digital Economy, Jigawa State, hosted a one-week “Train the Trainer” program.
This initiative, conducted from April 22 to April 26, 2024, was designed for Management Information System (MIS) Officers from the 288 secondary schools in Jigawa, eight zonal education offices, and staff of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. The program was declared open by the Commissioner of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.
The initiative, titled “Creating Opportunity for Mastery, Proficiency, and Technology Empowerment (J-COMPETE),” aims to equip teachers and students with the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st-century education landscape.
Throughout the week, the program featured insightful presentations on critical educational issues. Dr. Rislan Kanya, Technical Adviser on ICT and Digital Economy, discussed “Learning Poverty, School Deprivation, Learning Deprivation, and Progression Deprivation” affecting the state and Nigeria at large. He also emphasized the role of the Jigawa Educational Management Information System (EMIS), accessible online via https://emis.jigawastate.gov.ng/login, in addressing educational disparities.
Dr. Kanya also presented the “J-COMPETE Philosophy,” explaining the program’s principles and objectives.
Representatives from UNICEF and FCDO Plane provided a global perspective on “The Danger of Learning Poverty,” stressing the urgency of addressing this issue. Prof. Ahmed Iliyasu Dambatta, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Bayero University, Kano, explored “The New Role of Teachers in the 21st Century,” emphasizing the evolving nature of education. Mr. Nazir Halilu, Nigeria’s Country Manager for GRID3, highlighted the importance of Geographic Information System (GIS) in reducing learning poverty and ensuring no child is left out of school.
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Further sessions delved into the practical aspects of education technology. Dr. Kanya introduced the Education Management Information System (EMIS), while Mr. Babagana Aminu and the Directors of Planning Research and Statistics and EMIS provided insights into utilizing EMIS for real-time monitoring and data analysis.
Mr. Abubakar Isa Kimpa, Director of ICT at the Federal Ministry of Education, shared perspectives on “Digital Teaching and Learning” from a federal level, emphasizing the importance of embracing technology in education. He discussed how the state could leverage national digital learning platforms such as https://ignite.education.gov.ng, https://inspire.education.gov.ng, and https://nlp.education.gov.ng/.
Mallam Aminu Jakada, Coordinator of NIMC, Jigawa State, further discussed the role of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in building a reliable EMIS.
A panel discussion on the “Role of Teachers in Transforming Education and Data in the Digital Transformation of the Education Sector” brought together experts to explore Jigawa State’s expectations. Dr. Mikailu Ibrahim from FCDO, represented by FCDO-PLANE field office staff, provided insights into “The Danger of Learning Poverty,” highlighting international commitments to addressing this issue.
The program also featured practical demonstrations of the Jigawa EMIS and discussions on the role of Learning Passport/Inspire/Ignite digital learning platforms in improving teacher and learner capacity.
Participants received hands-on training on connecting to the internet via an Airtel Router provided by the Ministry, accessing free internet and the Nigeria Learning Passport provided by the Federal Ministry of Education, and utilizing the Jigawa EMIS Web Portal and Mobile App.
The event concluded with sessions on Online Content, Digital Pedagogy, Student Engagement, and Tech Support, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the necessary tools and support to thrive in the digital education landscape. The program wrapped up with a review and evaluation session led by Mr. Murtala Kazaure and Arch Habibu Kani, aimed at gathering feedback and insights to enhance future digital education initiatives.
