‘Blending traditional method with tech enhances learning’ — Features — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

Esomnofu Chidiebube Ifechukwu of Crown Grace Faculty, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, just lately emerged winner of the tenth version of the Maltina Instructor of the 12 months Competitors. On this interview with IYABO LAWAL, the arithmetic trainer, who cancelled his dream of medication to pursue a level in arithmetic schooling, not simply to know the topic, however to grasp the artwork of educating it, spoke on why authorities ought to put money into digital literacy programmes, and the necessity to personalise studying experiences to make schooling extra partaking and impactful.

How do you’re feeling profitable the 2024 Maltina Instructor of the 12 months Competitors, and what does it imply to you?Successful this competitors feels extremely rewarding for me. It’s not only a private achievement, however a robust reminder of the impression educators could make.

This award motivates me to maintain pushing ahead in my mission to remove the phobia in Arithmetic and encourage confidence in college students throughout Nigeria. I’m satisfied that given my journey, loads of college students will really feel impressed to confront their fears so far as Arithmetic is worried.

I perceive that this isn’t the primary time you’ll be collaborating within the competitors. What saved you going, regardless of not profitable the grand prize in earlier outings?My dedication to combating Arithmetic phobia and enhancing academic outcomes have at all times been my driving pressure. Even after I didn’t win, I noticed every try as a chance to study, develop, and discover new methods to have interaction my college students. Perseverance and perception within the work I do saved me going.

Have been you optimistic about your probability of profitable the coveted prize while you have been chosen as one of many high 11 finalists?I felt hopeful however grounded about my probability of profitable. I knew I used to be up towards a number of the nation’s most proficient educators, so I stayed centered on the work and function that introduced me this far.

Having gained the competitors, how do you hope to make use of your emergence to broaden your capability as a trainer?Successful this competitors supplied a platform to advocate for revolutionary educating approaches and entry to higher sources. I plan to broaden my digital platforms, attain extra college students, and supply coaching that helps different academics implement partaking and efficient practices of their lecture rooms.

As an educator concerned within the growth of human capital, how greatest do you assume the Nigerian schooling system must be managed to enhance productiveness and competitiveness?I believe the schooling system in Nigeria wants a powerful give attention to sensible studying, trainer coaching, and infrastructural growth. The federal government in any respect ranges should make common investments in academics’ welfare, coupled with curriculum updates that match international requirements.

We consider doing so would drastically improve productiveness and make Nigerian schooling extra aggressive within the international world.

The deployment of Synthetic Intelligence (AI) and technological instruments in schooling is reworking studying. How greatest do you assume Nigeria can leverage expertise to attain higher studying outcomes?Nigeria can harness AI and expertise by investing in digital literacy programmes, making expertise accessible in faculties, and growing localised, tech-based learningsolutions.Mixing conventional strategies with digital instruments can personalise studying experiences,making schooling extra partaking and impactful.

It should be very powerful to be a trainer in Nigeria. What prompted you to decide on the educating occupation, and the way nicely have you ever navigated the challenges to ship in your obligations?My very own struggles with Arithmetic impressed me to turn out to be a trainer—to assist college students discover the readability and confidence I as soon as lacked. Regardless of the challenges, together with giant courses and restricted sources, I stay pushed by my ardour to make a distinction.

I regularly adapt, leveraging expertise and creativity to ship high quality classes no matter obstacles.

What do you contemplate the important thing drivers of the successes you may have attained in your profession as a trainer?The important thing drivers have been resilience, innovation, and a deep empathy for my college students. Staying constant in my mission to finish the phobia of Arithmetic, embracing expertise, and by no means dropping sight of the impression I intention to attain, have all contributed to my achievements.

What are the issues that encourage you in life and profession?I’m motivated by the chance to make a optimistic impression, to see college students who as soon as feared Arithmetic acquire confidence, and to know that my work might help form a brighter future for them. Realizing that every day brings a brand new probability to encourage retains me going.

The place do you see your self within the subsequent 5 years?Within the subsequent 5 years, I hope to broaden my academic platform and turn out to be a number one voice for schooling reform in Arithmetic in Nigeria.

I additionally envision collaborating with different educators to create a community that gives free or low-cost sources to college students nationwide.

In the end, I need to be remembered as a trainer who broke down limitations to studying and helped college students realise their potentials.