By Olawale Olalekan
The chairman, House of Representatives committee on NASENI, Honourable Taofeek Ajilesoro and National Agency for Science Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)
have trained teachers in public secondary schools, artisans and traders in Ife federal constituency on the use of modern technology to improve businesses and skills.
The training was organised by Hon. Ajilesoro to further empower the youths in skill acquisition through science. The training for science teachers entitled; Modern Training on Technological Trends and Teaching Practices. This is with a view to train science teachers in using Artificial Intelligence and technological tools to teach in their various schools.
The training was held at the NASENI Skills and Acquisition Centre, Ife-Ooye LCDA, Ondo-Road, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The workshop also enlightened artisans and traders on the need to use technical tools to develop their businesses which would add values and innovation to their work and avail them opportunities to utilize technological resources to boost their skills.
The facilitator, Dr. Kabir Mustapha, from Kwara State University, emphasised urgent need for a paradigm shift in 21st-century science education, stressing that many of the challenges associated with the teaching of science subjects originated from the teachers themselves, adding that science teachers must embrace and integrate cutting-edge technological tools into their classrooms.
Such integration, he noted, is crucial to enhance student engagement, boost comprehension, and make learning more dynamic and effective. He also underscored the need for continuous professional development, urging teachers to be abreast of the latest technological advancements and adapt to new educational trends.
He enjoined teachers to apply practical techniques to transform the learning environment. He also urged science educators to collaborate and share best practices to foster a community of continuous improvement and innovation.
The participants were given Tablet PCs to enable them apply the technological tools and methodologies in classroom situation. The provision of these devices symbolised a commitment to bridging the gap between traditional teaching methods and modern educational practices.
The teachers therefore, expressed their appreciation, noting that these tools would aid in creating more interactive and engaging learning experiences for their students.
The training is a 3-day program which empowered teachers, artisans and traders. The areas included welding, solar installation, shoe making, barbing, electrical and electronics, marketing among others.
Speaking, one of the trainees, Mr Ogundele Olasunkanmi said he was elated to be part of the training exercise, saying the seminar has transformed and equipped him more in using technological tools to teach science subjects, adding that the lecture is inspiring from theoretical knowledge to practical skills.
He thanked Hon.Taofeek Ajilesoro for organizing the seminar for them especially at a time like this when the world has transcend to scientific knowledge which, he said teachers should not be exempted.
He lauded the Chairman, House of Representatives committee on NASENI for given them mini laptop and other empowerment tools to make their job easier. He described the gesture as timely and urged others to emulate him.
Also, Mr Asimi Amidu said, he really enjoyed the training program, saying it has further equipped him with necessary skills in tailoring by using technological tools to develop his business, adding that he had learnt a lot.
Amidu therefore, called on the people of Ife Federal Constituency to continue to support Ajilesoro to succeed in his bid to move people out of poverty and economic hardship.
