FG budgets N12billion for micro-teaching laboratories

Ruqayyatu RufaI

In a bid to improve quality of teaching and learning in schools, The Federal Government is to spend N12bn on building of micro-teaching laboratories.

Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’I made this known in Abuja during a reception organised on behalf of a delegation from UK-based-GEMS Education Solutions, an organisation that is responsible for providing global basic educational needs.

The Minister said the FG has budgeted N6.6bn for the development of technical and vocational education, which is a vital move earmarked for the development of technology in the country.

According to the Minister, the country is in dire need of quality teachers; irrespective of the training offered, the sector is still backward.

She promised that the ministry will not relent in its effort to collaborate with organisations like GEMS to device ways to solve the problems of the country in the sector.

She further praised GEMS for providing solutions to the nation’s education.

She said, “I am sure you will agree with me that if the quality of teachers is improved, half of the problems in the education sector would have been solved and data management is important for the assessment of progress being made and areas that needed to be improved upon.”

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEMS, Mr Chris Kirk said the organisation had a very wide network of students and teachers around the world.

Kirk said his organisation was in the country to discover ways to help Nigeria work out its educational problems.

“The organisation focuses basically on ways of supporting children with special educational needs, teacher and leadership development, data management, among others.’’

He said, “GEMS believe that a blessing can be a burden if children are not getting the education they need. GEMS also ensure sustainability of the support services it embarks upon because young people need adaptability.’’