A Train-the-Trainer Programme on Industry-relevant Technical Skills, Digital Technologies and Competency-based Teaching Methodologies for Vocational and Technical Teachers got underway in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Monday with 88 teachers enrolled and in attendance.
The five-day programme, sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, is designed to equip the teachers with contemporary technical insights, digital tools, and competency-based instructional methods.
The participants are expected to transition from traditional theory-heavy teaching to practical, outcome-driven methodologies that would position them to mould a generation of professionals ready to lead in industrial and technological domains.
In a keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Manager, Finance and Accounts of the Board, Mr. Agev Robert, said true Nigerian Content development “relies on empowering our local workforce with world-class future-ready expertise.”
According to him, “By equipping our educators and instructors with industry-relevant technical skills, cutting-edge digital technologies, and modern competency-based teaching methodologies, we are laying a resilient foundation for the next generation.”
The NCDMB boss noted that teachers are the primary multipliers of knowledge and that when they are upskilled, hundreds of young minds are elevated, and that classroom learning becomes aligned with actual industry demands. He pointed out that integration of digital transformation and technical capability into the educational framework “ensures that local talent remains competitive, innovative, and fully capable of driving Nigeria’s industrial growth.”
Engr. Ogbe commended the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education and Arewa Innovative Solutions, the training organisation, and other stakeholders for making such a strategic programme possible, while urging participants “to take full advantage of the platform, absorb these methodologies, and transfer such critical knowledge” to their students.
In another keynote address, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Gentle Emela, represented by Mrs. Belema Gially Ibierela, a Deputy Director in the Ministry, said the focus of the programme, “Industry-relevant Technical Skills, Digital Technologies, and Competency-based Teaching Methodologies,” was timely and highly relevant to the educational and economic aspirations of the State.
He observed that “We live in a rapidly changing world where technology, innovation and the demands of the workplace are constantly evolving,” and that “The traditional approach to teaching technical and vocational subjects can no longer adequately prepare our young people for the realities of today’s labour market.”
Also, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, represented by Mrs. Ibierela, noted that “Technology, digitalisation, automation and innovation are transforming industries and creating new opportunities.”
Earlier in a welcome address, the Managing Director of Arewa Innovative Solutions, Engr. Musah Abdul-Majeed, represented by Mr. T. Ayo Bello, stated that the programme signifies a deliberate commitment to bridging the gap between classroom instruction and the rapidly evolving demands of modern knowledge.”
He explained that “as technology continually reshapes global markets, the need to equip our teachers with relevant, high-value skills has never been more urgent.” The 88 participants in attendance were drawn from vocational and technical secondary schools from the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State
