By JOHN ONAH, Abuja
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for a strategy aimed at
developing suitable curriculum assessments and tracking systems that
will focus on improving the quality of education during and
Post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Osinbajo, who was represented by the Minister of State for Education,
Mr Chukuemeka Nwajuiba made this known in Abuja on Tuesday at the 2020
Nigeria’s Annual Education Conference.
The conference, which is in collaboration with national and
international partners has its theme: “Building an Effective,
Resilient and Sustainable Education System for Nigeria’s during and
Post-COVID-19 Pandemic: The Way Forward”.
He noted that the adaption of the curriculum was necessary to
facilitate learning in hybrid schooling situations in view of the
unexpected disruptions of education system by COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, the possibilities of designing Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics curricula such that they can be taught
virtually should be worked out by appropriate government offices and
stakeholders.
“The theme of this conference is a true reflection of an unusual
global challenge faced by education in recent days.
“The emergence of Coronavirus pandemic has no doubt adversely affected
the education sector and the economy at national and global levels.
“Let me point out that to cushion the effects of the pandemic the
world is embracing technological innovations. Virtual interactions has
increasingly replaced face-to-face engagement and limit the total
distruption to many sectors.
“UNESCO has recommended the use of distance learning programme, open
educational applications and platforms by schools and teachers to
reach learners remotely.
“There is an urgent need to design and develop suitable curriculum
assessments and monitoring systems that focus on improving the quality
of education through the alignment of the curriculum to existing and
projected education needs,” he said.
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu reiterated the commitment
of the ministry for continued deployment of technologies and the
internet in education to ensure that online education became integral
component of school education.
Represented by Mr Sonny Echono, the Permanent Secretary in the
ministry, Adamu said that the disparities in access to distance
learning across the country must be removed to enhance sustainable
system of education.
“The closure of school due to COVID-19 made some teachers in the
country to deliver online learning without proper training and support
preparation.
“They had to digitise their course contents and/or develop their contents.
“This development calls for immediate response to ensure gaps does not
occur again.
“Let me reiterate that it is important to develop the capacity of
teachers in digital divide. The anticipated technology will strengthen
the inclusive alternative education of marginalised and disadvantaged
group accessing learning a new way.”
The minister also noted that ministry had improved education funding
by constituting the Teachers Development Fund Account dedicated to
take care of teachers need.
On his part, the representative of UNESCO Regional Office Director, Mr
Mamadou Lamina said that the organisation was committed to supporting
the government of Nigeria in the area of education.
Lamina said there was need to adopt innovation as a new challenge in
the education sector.
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