By Dorathy Tor
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in conjunction with Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has organized a four-day training for selected teachers in the rural and hard to reach schools on Multi-Grade and Pedagogy for Mixed Ability classes.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, in Makurdi, the state capital, the Executive Chairman, SUBEB, Comrade Joseph Utse charged them to take the training seriously with maximum commitment. He reminded them of the fragile security situation in the country and urged them to be focused throughout the training exercise.
Utse also advised the participants to cooperate with the facilitators, in order to make the training a success.
Also speaking, UBEC State Coordinator, Mr Emmanuel Baba called on participants to make the best use of the opportunity given them on how to handle mixed ability classes.
Earlier, in a welcome address, Director Academic Services, Mr Michael Mtomga threw light on the importance of the training, saying multi grade schools combine students or pupils of different ages and abilities in one class, under the direction of one teacher.
According to Mtomga, this is most effective in areas or schools that are hard to reach and have fewer students in classes. “It helps a teacher accommodate all ages and classes together,” he added.
In separate remarks, Permanent Member 3 at the Board, Mr James Ahua and the Lead Facilitator, Dr Tor Geri appreciated UBEC for packaging the workshop, emphasizing the need for participants to step down the training after the workshop.
Responding on behalf of participants, Mr Agbangu Richard from Agatu assured that they would take the training seriously and maintain proper conduct at their duty posts.
He also assured that they would be serious with their training, saying it will help them in many ways, including serving as a guide on how to manage school if the need arises.
