BY PATRICIA OGBECHE

The Cross River State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank’s Project Hope Education, has concluded a three-day intensive training workshop aimed at bridging learning gaps in English and Mathematics across primary schools in the state.

The workshop, themed “Enhancing Pedagogical Practices for Effective Teaching and Learning of English and Mathematics in Primary Schools,” was held simultaneously from October 29th to 31st, 2025, at the Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), Biase, as well as in Ikom and Ogoja. The decentralized format enabled hundreds of primary school teachers from the three senatorial districts to participate in the high-level capacity-building exercise.

Addressing participants, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Stephen Odey, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuous teacher development as part of Governor Bassey Otu’s People-First agenda.

“This program is a professional training development circle put together by His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu’s People-First mantra and commitment to teacher professional training,” Odey said, noting that the goal is to develop “competent and resourceful faculty members” capable of delivering quality education.

He cited national statistics indicating that about 45.8 million Nigerian children aged 5–14 years are unable to read and understand a simple text reflecting a 76 percent learning deprivation rate nationwide. The commissioner emphasized that the World Bank-assisted program aims to address such foundational learning challenges.

Chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Barr. Mrs. Fidelia Okpo-Ene, praised TCTI for its modern training facilities and announced a partnership between SUBEB and TCTI to continuously improve teachers’ pedagogical skills.

In his remarks, Director-General of TCTI, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, a former World Bank consultant and Minister of Sports and Special Duties, described the training as one that adds “immeasurable value” to classroom delivery and strengthens basic education.

Professor Adedoja commended Governor Otu for prioritizing teachers’ professional development and lauded the World Bank for its sustained support to the state’s education reform.

Also speaking, Dr. Adekunle Adekola, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank’s Abuja office, expressed delight at the collaboration, saying Governor Otu is one of the few leaders who recognize education as a driver of economic growth.

He encouraged the state to key into the World Bank’s HOPE Governance initiative to sustain the gains achieved through the Project Hope Education program.

The workshop is the latest in a series of professional development initiatives organized for teachers since the establishment of TCTI four years ago.