Foundation harps on transformative learning at yearly conference

• Rewards schools, teachers for excellence

A non-governmental organisation in Lagos, Regalo Hope Foundation (RHF), has called for more commitment from stakeholders to transform teaching and learning.
To effectively prepare youths for the future, the foundation said the country must embrace a new educational paradigm that will equip them with skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.

The event, which was the seventh yearly conference of the RHF, attracted stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as schools and parents. The programme, themed: ‘Transforming education through technology in Nigeria,’ was in commemoration of International Day of Education. It was also an opportunity to reward teachers and schools for innovative teaching and excellence.

Founder and Project Director, RHF, Dr Chinenye Onuorah, restated the group’s commitment to transforming the sector, by equipping teachers with necessary tools needed to thrive in their profession, while also supporting schools and students with infrastructural and learning facilities. Onuorah said the foundation’s bid to groom educators brought about the RHF learning hub, teachers’ leadership academy and award.

The keynote speaker, Dr Nnamdi Ozobia, said while government has made significant strides in improving access to education, the sector is still confronted with a multitude of challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, shortage of qualified teachers, and lack of basic learning resources in many rural and underserved areas.

To prepare youths for the future, Ozobia said the country must embrace a new educational paradigm that will equip them with necessary skills to thrive, “and by harnessing technology as a transformative tool, we can empower our youths to not only meet the challenges of today, but shape a brighter future for tomorrow.”

“The tools available to us today-from mobile devices to Artificial Intelligence (AI), and from virtual classrooms to learning apps have the power to redefine what is possible in education,” Ozobia stated.

He listed some benefits of embracing technology to include expanding access and inclusivity; personalised learning pathways; global collaboration and communication; promoting lifelong learning as well as fostering innovation and creativity.

Teachers were awarded in three categories, the RHF Legend Award for those with over 25 years experience; Heroes Award for those with over five years experience, and Innovative Award.

Dr Arum Joe, who won the Legend Award was rewarded with N500,000; Moses Ogundeji won the Award for Impact with a cash reward of N300,000, Najeem Tijesu won Award for Innovation and was rewarded with N200,000, while Arinola Abiodun won Duru’s Award for Leadership with N100,000

For the quiz competition, Grimes College, Alagbado, emerged winner with a cash reward of N500,000; Egan Senior Grammar School, Igando, was first runner-up and won N300,000, while Stadem Comprehensive School, Igando, emerged second runner-up and was rewarded with N200,000.