The SAIL Teacher Fellowship 2024, an initiative of Senator Tokunbo Abiru, has successfully trained 4,000 teachers from public and private secondary schools across Nigeria’s 36 states. The program aimed to achieve three primary goals: Transition from Instructional to Empowering Based Learning, Improve Digital Literacy Skills, and Embrace Innovative Classroom Management Practices.
The event, attended by dignitaries including the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Adewale Shotobi, The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, The Ranodu of Imota,Oba mudashiru Ajibade Bakare, and other high profile individuals and educational stakeholders.
The senator’s SAIL Empowerment Foundation, personally funded by him and his wife, aims to uplift underserved communities. The foundation has partnered with MTN Foundation and Co-creation Hub to provide top-notch facilities and training programs.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Abiru highlights his commitment to making positive impact on the people of Lagos East Senatorial District, stressing the importance of empowerment and legislative work in his role as a Senator.
He noted his involvement in various intervention projects, such as facilitating school building, youth centers, markets, and health facilities. He also highlights his efforts in food distribution, which have touched over 30,000 lives.
Abiru congratulated the graduating teachers and encouraged them to apply their newly acquired skills to continue upgrading and educating children.
He also expresses his gratitude to partners and stakeholders, acknowledging their support in improving education and laying the foundation for a brighter Nigeria.
Honorable Tolani Sule, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, commended the party chairman for the opportunity to attend the event.
He noted that the Lagos State government is committed to upgrading both physical infrastructure and the quality of teachers, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in the digital revolution era.
Commissioner Sule expressed gratitude for Senator Abiru’s innovative approach to empowerment, which prioritizes human capital development and teacher training.
Similarly, Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi commended Senator Tokunbo Abiru for his commitment to empowering the community.
He acknowledged the senator’s efforts in providing meaningful support, rather than just material empowerment, which often doesn’t lead to lasting change.
Similarly, Mrs. Odunayo, Executive Director of MTN Nigeria Foundation, partners of the SAIL Innovation Lab described her Foundation as a technology company that operates with a sense of purpose,.hence their partnership with the SAIL.
She emphasized the importance of partnerships, such as the one between the SAIL Foundation, MTN, and CCHub. She noted that this collaboration is built on shared values and a common vision.
While acknowledging the significance of the program’s numbers, while expressing her appreciation for the teachers, recognizing their vital role in shaping the future of Nigeria.
Miss Shalom explained that the fellowship was designed for teachers from public and private secondary schools across the 36 states of Nigeria. Since its inception in July, the program has successfully trained 4,000 teachers through various phases.
She stated the SAIL Teacher Fellowship aimed to achieve three primary goals:
Transition from instructional to empowering based learning: Adopting modern methods of learning that focus on empowering students.
Improve digital literacy skills: Enhancing teachers’ ability to effectively utilize digital tools in the classroom.
Embrace innovative classroom management practices: Implementing new and innovative strategies for managing the classroom environment.
A Valedictorian Mr. Manasseh Mbah Bagayang, a teacher from Government Basic Education School in Bugar, Kaduna State, shared his personal experience, highlighting the impact of the four-month training program on his teaching skills and methodology.
The training, he noted, exposed him to innovative teaching methods, including inquiry-based learning and the use of interactive simulations as digital tools.
He credited his facilitator, Mr. John Clinton, for his inspiring teaching and guidance throughout the program.
Mr. Bagayang emphasized the transformative power of education and the importance of implementing the skills and knowledge gained during the training.
He acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, particularly for teachers in rural areas with limited access to internet and digital tools.
He expressed his deepest appreciation to the sponsors of the program, including the SAIL Foundation, MTN Foundation, and CCHUB.
Another Valedictorian Adama Asman Yakube, a teacher from Government Basic Education School in Barnaca, Kaduna State, began by expressing her gratitude and humility as the valedictorian of the STEM group 1 of the SAIL Teacher Fellowship.
Adama emphasized that this moment was not just a celebration of individual achievement but a testament to the collective effort, growth, and resilience of every educator present.
She reflected on the journey of the fellowship, acknowledging the uncertainty and challenges that the educators faced at the beginning.
However, she highlighted the shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of their students and communities that brought them together.
Throughout the fellowship, Adama noted that they had learned, re-learned, and unlearned, and had been challenged to think critically, innovate, and live with purpose.
This experience, she emphasized, had been transformative, and personally, she had overcome her phobia of technology.
One of the profound lessons she learned during the fellowship was that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but also about inspiring change. She emphasized that they wanted to inspire this change in future generations.
Adama expressed her gratitude to the facilitators and mentors for believing in them, pushing them to do better, and equipping them with tools to excel. She also thanked her fellow graduates for their ideas, encouragement, and support.
Adama concluded by emphasizing that they were now equipped not only to lead but also to inspire and advocate for meaningful change in education.
She urged her fellow graduates to carry forward the vision of the SAIL Teacher Fellowship and continue to uplift and empower those they serve.
Valedictorian Mrs. Ogumpehin Susan Adesola, a teacher from Local Government Primary School, Oke-Isagun, Alimosho, Lagos State,expressed her pride in being a participant in the fellowship, which has revolutionized her teaching approach and perspective on education.
She reflected on the profound changes she has experienced over the past several months, which have gone beyond just acquiring knowledge.
The fellowship, she noted, has been a transformative journey that has reshaped her approach to teaching, her lessons, and her role as an educator.
One of the most significant takeaways for her has been the introduction to inquiry-based learning, which has transformed her classroom dynamics.
Mrs. Ogumpehin concluded by expressing her commitment to continuing to use the methods and skills she has acquired in her classroom, ensuring a lasting impact on her students and the education sector.
Valedictorian Mr. Brian, a teacher from Community Comprehensive High School, Ayede Oghese,Akure North, Ondo State,acknowledged the significance of the day, marking the end of the training program.
In conclusion, He reflect on how the experience has profoundly impacted his life, gaining not just knowledge but also valuable skills that have shaped his perspective and approach to teaching methodologies.
