Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi has called on teachers in the state to leverage technology to enhance teaching and learning. He made the remarks while declaring open the 9th State Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), Kebbi chapter, held in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
The theme of the conference was “Embracing the Use of Technology in Increasing Teaching and Learning Outcomes.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Kabir Labbo-Jega, Idris said the call was timely, noting that technology remains a key driver of development.
“I urge our teachers to take advantage of technology by improving their digital skills to enhance teaching and learning in schools. Technology has become a pathway to success, and the teaching profession cannot be left behind,” he said.
Idris emphasized the importance of respecting teachers, adding: “The world revolves around teachers, and teachers make the world.” He described the conference theme as particularly apt in the 21st century, where technology influences nearly every aspect of life.
On the topic of the recent NUT elections, the governor urged the new executives to lead with fairness, noting that winning an election is just the beginning of the task: “You need to be congratulated after you have successfully accomplished the task ahead of you.”
Speaking on behalf of the NUT National President, Audu Titus-Amba, Hambali Muhammad encouraged the new leadership to remain focused and committed to advancing teachers’ interests, placing their welfare at the center of their agenda.
Guest speaker Prof. Bala Bakwai-Kwashabawa of the Faculty of Education, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, highlighted the nation’s gradual shift from traditional teaching methods to digital learning. He noted that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gained prominence in Nigeria around 2000 and became crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic to sustain learning.
Bakwai-Kwashabawa emphasized that digital tools simplify teaching, recalling that “in just 10 minutes, one can develop 20 lesson plans” using available software.
Earlier, NUT Kebbi chapter Chairman, Usman Adamu-Isgogo, commended Governor Idris for his achievements within two years, including the recruitment of 2,000 teachers, renovation of schools, provision of furniture, payment of students’ tuition fees, doubling of the school feeding budget from N150 million to N300 million, and the construction of roads and installation of solar streetlights.
While appreciating the governor’s support for NUT activities, Adamu-Isgogo also appealed for two official vehicles for the state office, provision of computers to schools, and the establishment of an Education Resource Centre.
