UBEC’s ESP initiative kicks-off in 111 schools nationwide

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has announced that its Effective Schools Programme (ESP) has kicked off in 111 selected basic schools across the country.

It explained that ESP initiative was designed to address the challenges of learning crisis and out-of-school children, while also providing tools for better learning outcomes and 21st century knowledge acquisition.

Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, announced the take off of the programme, in Abuja at a one-day meeting with States Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) coordinating directors and head teachers of UBE Effective Schools.

Dr. Bobboyi, who was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Prof. Bala Zakari, was optimistic that the programme will progressively improve the resources and routines of teaching and learning, thus optimizing the potentials of teachers and learners within the basic school system.

“After a robust engagement with stakeholders, the Commission started the process of actualizing the initiative as a pilot in three schools in each State and the FCT. This ushered in a new perspective and practice in learning across 111 schools that were previously designated as UBEC E-learning centres.

“We have made significant strides in this direction including the procurement and distribution of instructional materials to all the 111 ESP facilities, provision of tablets and installation of satellite-based learning equipment, as well as training of head teachers and teachers in ICT pedagogy, among others.

“These efforts have proved to be very rewarding in laying a solid foundation for the commencement of the implementation of the initiative.”

He, therefore, charged the head teachers to transform the ideals of ESP into functional day-to-day activities within the school environment, and also implored the participants to make the best use of the interactive programme in familiarizing themselves with the key features of the ESP.

He solicited their renewed commitment to adopting improved methods in leading and providing direction to other teachers towards ensuring the success of the initiative in various institutions.

“Further effort in this regard is the commencement of the capacity building of head teachers especially in digital pedagogy as we prepare them to lead students in accessing the tools they need for better learning outcomes and 21st century knowledge acquisition,” he stated.

Director, Social Mobilisation, UBEC, Dr. Ossom Ossom, earlier in his welcome remark, underscored the importance of head teachers in the success of the UBE ESP initiative, while also reminding them of the onerous task ahead.