LASUBEB, British Council unveil English proficiency training for teachers
By Innocent Raphael
The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), in collaboration with the British Council, has launched the Strengthening Teachers’ English Proficiency Training.
The opening ceremony which took place on Monday, at the Lagos SUBEB Multipurpose Hall and marked the beginning of a significant initiative to enhance the English language skills and classroom communication abilities of 2,000 primary school teachers in Lagos State.
The event was attended by several high-profile figures, including Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education; Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, Executive Chairman of LASUBEB; and Lucy Pearson, Country Director of the British Council, represented by Mr. Chikodi. Other notable attendees included Dr. Fwanshishak and Dr. Albert from the British Council, 40 facilitators, representatives from the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), Education Secretaries from the 20 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs), and participating teachers.
In his address, Jamiu Alli-Balogun highlighted the Lagos State Government’s innovative educational initiatives and their alignment with global best practices.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to upgrading all Lagos State Colleges of Education to university standards, aiming to produce well-equipped teachers for the educational system. “In Lagos State, we are setting the pace for others to follow,” he said.
Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu emphasized the importance of the partnership with the British Council.
“This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to teacher development and excellence in education,” he stated.
Mr. Owolabi Jamiu Falana, Permanent Board Member in Charge of the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) Department at LASUBEB, highlighted the global significance of English proficiency.
“In our increasingly globalized world, English has become the language of opportunity, innovation, and progress. By strengthening our teachers’ English proficiency and communication skills, we are empowering them to provide our learners with a world-class education, preparing them for success in an ever-changing landscape,” he remarked.
He added that the “Strengthening Teacher English Proficiency (STEP)” program is a testament to their dedication to teacher development and learner excellence.
The ceremony underscored the State Government’s public-private partnership initiative in developing basic education. Dignitaries at the event emphasized the need for more initiatives like this to continue advancing the state’s educational standards.
