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In a significant drive towards educational reform, the Enugu State Government, through its dynamic Ministry of Education, launched a comprehensive 3-day workshop titled "Experiential Learning Institute and Symposium" that commenced on November 7th at the PPSMB. This initiative is dedicated to empowering newly recruited smart school teachers with the vital knowledge and skills required for the successful implementation of His Excellency’s visionary Smart School initiative, focused on an innovative Experiential Learning pedagogy.
During the workshop, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, delivered an inspiring address that underscored the critical importance of experiential learning and teacher training. He articulated a compelling vision for the future, declaring, "The Enugu State government aims to boost our GDP from 4.4 billion dollars to an ambitious 30 billion dollars annually over the next eight years. Achieving this goal requires multifaceted efforts, including the development of state infrastructure and attracting foreign investments."
Central to his message was the imperative to enhance human capital, as he emphasized, "The most effective and sustainable strategy for developing our human resources focuses on skills enhancement and fostering productive members of society through a transformative reform of our educational system."
Prof. Mbah detailed the need to modernize education, asserting, "We do not want students graduating without the necessary practical skills. We aim to eliminate the scenario where children have to resort to cyber cafés to learn basic computer skills. Our goal is to ensure that students who complete their education possess both theoretical knowledge and practical capabilities."
He recounted concerning findings from a recent Computer-Based Test (CBT) assessment, revealing, "Out of 26000 applicants, 17000 participated in the CBT, and only 4,196 succeeded in the exam, which assessed basic education from Primary 1 to JSS 3. Alarmingly, only about 4,000 passed. Many failed not due to a lack of academic knowledge, but rather because they were unfamiliar with operating a computer. In fact, 80 per cent of the participants had never even touched a mouse."
Stressing the urgency of these issues, he stated, "As we prepare for the 21st century, we must recognize that in our smart schools, technology is at the forefront of teaching and learning. If teachers are not proficient in computer literacy, they simply cannot function within the framework of the smart green school model. It is a practical impossibility."
Through this initiative, the Enugu State Government is taking substantial steps toward creating a generation of educators who are not just knowledgeable but are also adept in using technology, thereby laying a solid foundation for a brighter educational future.
The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, emphasized the administration's commitment to transforming education in the state. He highlighted the need for educational methods to adapt to rapid technological advancements, advocating for innovative, hands-on learning experiences that develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
He pointed out that education must evolve beyond rote memorization and standardized testing to meet contemporary demands. Emphasizing experiential learning, he stated that Enugu aims to be a leader in educational innovation, equipping teachers with modern methodologies and technologies, including AI and digital literacy.
The Governor noted significant advancements in education policy, including the establishment of smart green schools and partnerships with local stakeholders to enhance educational infrastructure. He urged educators to actively engage and collaborate to realize this vision for a progressive educational landscape in Enugu.
Very Rev. Prof Chinedu Nebo, the vice-chancellor of the University on the Niger in Anambra State, affirmed his willingness to support the education commissioner, whom he extolled his qualities in anything concerning the improvement of the education of our children.
"In the evolving world, traditional education systems have faced scrutiny for their theoretical approaches.
Something is happening in Enugu State, and it won't take long, and the ripples will be felt all over our country and all over our sub-region and continent," he said.
He emphasized the importance of experiential learning, which he described as learning by doing and enhancing quality and retentive knowledge.
The Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Experiential Learning, Dr Mara Huber, who led the Institute, carefully guided the participants through a rigorous process of understanding Experiential Learning Pedagogy, developing Innovation Challenge Projects in Smart Schools, aligning project-based Learning with SDGs, developing student-centered teaching and assessment, and ensuring fidelity to experiential learning methodology in the classroom. Dr. Huber emphasized the significance of EL Methodology in enhancing teaching and learning experiences, using CASE and PEARL models. With this intervention, Enugu State learners will acquire workforce skills and competencies for industry innovation.
In a presentation, Eng. Onyinye Okpalamma, SSA, to the governor on SDG, discussed intensively the 17 Development goals and their importance.
Also, Mrs Nnenna Okorie, the director of learning and research at EDVES, delivered a lecture on lesson plans and lesson outlines, emphasizing the relevance to the teachers and the students.
In a compelling lecture, Dr. Chinyere Onyishi, the SSA to the governor on Innovation, illuminated the power of innovation as teachers and students showcased their remarkable skills. They created power banks, agricultural products, and washing soaps, emphasizing the vital role of creativity and skill acquisition in shaping a brighter future.
In their respective addresses, Hon. Osita Ngwu, the Senator representing the Enugu West Federal Constituency, Hon. Osita Eze, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Education, and Prof. Monsignor Obiora Ike provided a thoughtful assessment of the experiential learning initiative. They emphasized the importance of educators' commitment to realizing the objectives of the program and encouraged them to apply their utmost efforts toward achieving its goals.
