By Modupe George
Teachers in Ogun State’s technical and vocational colleges have been trained to broaden their knowledge in taking skill courses required in industries within and outside the state.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, in a statement made available by the ministry’s press officer, Mrs Omoniyi Damilola, said that there was a need for learners to combine practical with theoretical knowledge, especially in technical education.
This, he noted, will enhance their understanding of the subjects that they are being taught and make them more sellable to industries that will require their services.
Professor Arigbabu made this known at an inaugural industry exposure programme certificate award and industry appreciation ceremony put together by the State Technical and Vocational Education Board (OGSTVEB) in collaboration with the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) and World Bank, held at the conference room of the ministry.
The commissioner revealed that it was important for teachers to undergo the internship programme for them to have a firsthand experience and exposure, thereby passing it down to the learners.
“Technical education requires hands-on experience and having our teachers go to the industries for a firsthand experience and exposure will improve the outcome of their teaching activities,” he noted.
He appreciated the partner industries for collaborating with the government and for opening their doors to train teachers in the state.
While he called for sustainable cooperation, he charged the beneficiaries of the training to apply the knowledge acquired to improve teaching and learning in their respective subjects in order to change the narratives of technical education in the state.
In his presentation, entitled: ‘Focus on the Industry Exposure,’ the TVET specialist, Mr Unyime Eyo, explained that the training was meant to provide opportunities for technical teachers to be exposed to industry operations as part of their skills upgrading programme and to also ensure that they were in tune with current technology in the industry.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the governor on technical education, Professor Joseph Odemuyiwa explained that the purpose of the industry exposure was to bridge the gap between the colleges and industries, noting that it would help the institutions and the learners to acquaint themselves with the skills needed in industries.
Two of the beneficiaries, Mr Obikoya Tosin and Mrs Odeogbola Ebunoluwa while responding commended the state government and partner industries for the training opportunity.
They said the training had stimulated their teaching abilities assuring that the knowledge acquired would enhance the academic and practical performance of their students.
