Bayelsa trains 100 teachers to boost reading skills
No fewer than 100 public school teachers in Bayelsa State have begun a three-day intensive training on structured phonics, literacy and effective reading instruction as part of efforts to improve pupils’ reading abilities.
The training, themed “Building Strong Readers,” is organised by the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) in partnership with Bridge Academy International and the Teachers Training, Registration and Certification Board (TTRCB).
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
No fewer than 100 public school teachers in Bayelsa State have begun a three-day intensive training on structured phonics, literacy and effective reading instruction as part of efforts to improve pupils’ reading abilities.
The training, themed “Building Strong Readers,” is organised by the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) in partnership with Bridge Academy International and the Teachers Training, Registration and Certification Board (TTRCB).
The programme, taking place at Saint Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Yenagoa, has attracted 70 primary school teachers and 30 secondary school teachers.
Declaring the workshop open, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Dr Gentle Emelah, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Simon-Peter Okene, commended the EDTF for the initiative and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve literacy outcomes in schools across the state.
Chairman of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Dr Charles Daniel, stressed the importance of equipping teachers with modern teaching methods, noting that a strong foundation in English language is essential for academic success.
Executive Secretary of the EDTF, Prof. Ebimieowei Etebu, said the training became necessary following reports that a significant number of Nigerian children struggle with basic reading comprehension.
He noted that reading must be taught through structured and systematic methods, adding that strengthening teachers’ capacity is critical to improving literacy among pupils.
Founder and Executive Director of Bridge Academy International, Mrs Mabel Joel, said the programme was designed to equip teachers with practical, evidence-based strategies for teaching reading effectively.
She said every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader, stressing that literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, confidence and future success.
Joel added that the workshop would provide teachers with practical classroom techniques to improve reading instruction and enhance learning outcomes. Also speaking, Chairman of the EDTF Sub-Committee on Development Partners, Dr Alice Atuwo, expressed confidence that the training would strengthen teachers’ capacity to deliver structured phonics and literacy lessons, ultimately improving reading proficiency among pupils and students across Bayelsa State.
