Schools Development and Support (SDS) has called for deliberate reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, stressing the need to equip teachers with adequate tools and training alongside improvements in school infrastructure.

The call formed the highlight of a two-day interface and discussion session organised by the organisation in Lagos,as part of efforts to strengthen teaching standards and promote innovation in classrooms across the country.

The hybrid programme, tagged “SDS Creative Teachers Training,” attracted over 200 participants from leading schools across Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states, with additional participants joining virtually from Bauchi, Delta, Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Kogi, Katsina, Sokoto and the Federal Capital Territory, among others. The sessions focused on modern teaching methodologies designed to make learning environments more impactful, productive and performance-driven.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SDS International Ltd, Mr. Anthony Nwachukwu Isiani, described the free training initiative as the organisation’s contribution to strengthening the teaching profession and supporting educators who play a critical role in national development.

Isiani, a teacher with over three decades of experience, said the programme was conceived as a way of giving back to society and empowering teachers through practical learning modules and innovative teaching toolkits developed by SDS.

He noted that Nigeria must invest more deliberately in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to enable the country compete globally and reduce dependence on foreign expertise.

Also speaking, the Business Development Manager of SDS International Ltd, Mrs. Chinonye Isiani, stressed the importance of continuous motivation for teachers, stating that effective teaching requires emotional commitment, professional fulfilment and sustained support.

According to her, the refresher training was designed to help educators rediscover their professional strengths, improve pedagogical competence and maintain motivation necessary for effective classroom delivery.

Earlier in her presentation on the “SDS Concept of Education,” Mrs. Jessica Eze, Customer Support Representative and Educational Consultant at SDS International Ltd, identified gaps between Nigeria’s education policy vision and classroom implementation, attributing challenges partly to inadequate funding and infrastructure limitations.

She explained that the SDS model promotes creativity-driven teaching aimed at producing independent thinkers equipped with both academic and life competencies, noting that education must evolve continuously to meet the demands of a changing world.

“Nigeria has a strong educational vision but vision without classroom creativity produces limited results. We are not here to criticise policy; rather, we are here to strengthen the system. The policy is visionary but the challenge is how we teach and that is what SDS Concept of Education has come to correct. SDS believes education must go beyond curriculum coverage because education is talent mining, continuous refinement, creative activation.”

Similarly, the Corporate Affairs Manager of SDS International Ltd, Mrs. Faith Igwe, highlighted structural challenges affecting Nigeria’s education system, including continued reliance on colonial-era frameworks with limited integration of indigenous innovation and cultural context.

She called for a reorientation of the system toward capacity building and locally relevant solutions, stressing that national transformation must begin within classrooms through empowered teachers and engaged learners.

Participants at the training session also shared professional experiences and perspectives on teacher-student relationships, motivation and effective classroom practices. Contributors included Rev. Sr. Philomena Williams of Louisville Nursery/Primary School, Ibadan; Stella Iheanacho of Penny International College; Mr. John Daniel; Mrs. Odom C; and Mr. Rowland Nwaogwugwu of Goshen Pillars School, among others.

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of participants, Mrs. Ezinne Onoh, Director of The Brains Premier School, Lagos, commended the organisers for facilitating the free training, noting that the knowledge gained would enhance teaching outcomes and professional development.

In his closing remarks, Isiani described the training as successful and disclosed that SDS plans to organise additional sessions across the country within the year to further support teachers and improve education delivery.