The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, in collaboration with First E&P Development Limited, conducted a three-day training for more than 80 teachers from post-primary institutions across different states in the country, the PUNCH Metro reports.
The training took place at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
A statement from the board said that as part of the training, the teachers were exposed to all-in-one educational devices that enhance the teaching and learning of science, technology, and mathematics.
It said the training was geared towards engendering interest in academic subjects that would guarantee a steady supply of critically needed expertise for oil and gas industry operations.
“The teachers are being introduced to ‘K-Yan,’ defined in the technology world as ‘an Interactive Teaching Learning Platform’ that incorporates the utility of a fully functional computer, high luminosity projection system, large screen television, DVD player, in-built audio system and an Internet browser, all integrated into a single compact unit,” the statement read in part.
The Director of Capacity Building Directorate in the NCDMB, Dr Ama Ikuru, said “STEM education has been the focus of the NCDMB over time in line with its core mandate to develop indigenous capacities and capabilities for the industry.”
According to him, the NCDMB has undertaken several capacity-building programmes for teachers aimed at exposing them to trends in technology, because there are evident deficiencies in the quality of education from the formal school system that need to be remedied.
He further stated that “Most of the people coming out of school are not ready for the (oil and gas) industry.”
According to Ikuru, teachers’ educational standards determine the quality of products from the school system.
“We are as good as our teachers make us be,” he posited, adding that that informed the decision of NCDMB to consistently upskill them.
The General Manager of Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Mrs Angela Okoro, emphasised that the training was very important not only to the teachers but to the NCDMB and the wider society.
She urged the teachers to strive to make the most of the opportunity provided.On his part, the Manager of Capacity Building at NCDMB, Mr Timbiri Augustine, told the teachers that human capacity development was at the heart of the operations of the NCDMB.
He said the board was passionate about promoting STEM education because it determines how successful or otherwise an individual or corporate organisation could be in the industry.
“Your operations and services are driven by science. Remain committed to the training programme from the beginning to the end,” he said.
