The Executive Chairman of Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Chief Samuel Mariere has urged participants at a four-day capacity-building workshop on moral education in Asaba to become agents of change in their respective local government areas.
The message of the Executive Chairman of SUBEB was delivered by the Director of Teacher Education, Mrs. Juliet Eru-Ezefili who superintended the training which was organized by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in collaboration with SUBEB in Asaba.
Tagged “Moral Regeneration and Re-orientation (Moral Education) in Basic Education programme for teachers”, it was held between October 7 and 10, 2024 on the third floor, Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba under the slogan “no morals, no ethics” with participants drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state.
Eru-Ezefili said that the Executive Chairman, Hon. Samuel Mariere, was unavoidably absent due to the 2024 National Council on Education which was held in Abuja, informed participants that they were expected to disseminate the knowledge acquired in ensuring moral rejuvenation in schools across the state.
During the training, there was a drama presentation by the teachers on the significance of moral education.
Eru-Ezefili said that the training dwelt mainly on helping teachers connect with pupils to enable them to show respect, empathy and the right attitudes towards others in society.
She added that the role of teachers is to “apply principles that forge bonds and linkages between schools, homes and communities, while you should implement appropriate evaluation strategies which are necessary to monitor progress made.”
She urged the teachers to become good role models, pointing out that qualities needed include integrity, patience, hospitality, empathy, tolerance and honesty. Others are decent dressing, being a good listener and caring, lovable and positive, while participants were also trained on ways to help pupils and students acquire and practice specific skills that support positive values.
Eru-Ezefili disclosed that plans were underway to scale up the training to over 100 participants, adding that an impact survey showed that past training on guidance counselling and phonics, among others is making a huge impact in schools across the state.
The resource persons, including Dr. (Mrs.) Edna Abidde, a senior lecturer at College of Education, Warri and Dr Efayena Trustee of the Institute of Education, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka took participants on different course modules, including whistle-blowing, implementing rewards for moral behaviour and digital citizenship, while also being drilled on the pillars of moral education, comprising character, culture, civility and relational competence.
In a vote of thanks, a participant, Mrs. Joan Mordi from Aniocha South LGA promised that having become agents of change in schools, they will be the light that will guide the pupils to greatness.
