EU launches scheme to build capacity of Nigerian teachers

The European Union (EU) has launched the second phase of its education programme, ‘Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS)’, aimed at enhancing the capacity of Nigerian teachers.

This phase complements the first, ‘Education and Youth Empowerment in North Western Nigeria’, launched in 2023.

At the launch event in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Samuela Isopi, said the combined funding for both phases amounted to 45.4 million Euros.

Represented by the EU’s Head of Human Development, Leila Ben Amor Mathieu, Ms. Isopi noted that the EISS programme will collaborate with six training colleges located in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Katsina, Plateau and Oyo.

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The envoy emphasised the significance of the initiative, saying that “Investing in teachers is investing in our collective future.”

She acknowledged the numerous challenges faced by teachers, particularly in Nigeria, ranging from insufficient resources to the demands of adapting to rapidly evolving educational environments.

“Recognizing these challenges, the European Union has identified with the government the critical need to support Nigerian teachers in their professional development and personal resilience,” she added.

UNESCO will oversee the implementation of the programme, she also said.

UN Resident Coordinator Mohammed Fall commended Nigeria’s efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but expressed concern over the high number of inadequately trained teachers.

He cited the UNESCO Global Report on Teachers 2023, which highlights that teacher attrition is a global issue with attrition rates of primary education teachers doubling from 4.6% to 9% between 2015 and 2022.

“Regardless of the country’s income level, and even remuneration, teachers are leaving the profession within the first five years of practice. We must halt this worrisome trend,” Fall urged.