Over fifty corps members in the Warri Zonal Area on Tuesday participated in a training programme launch on enhancing the pedagogical skills of corps members organized by the Tompolo Foundation in Partnership with Delta State National Youth Service Corps.
Speaking during the official launch of the training programme, the chairman and founder of Tompolo Foundation, High Chief Government Ekpomupolo, stated that the Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to initiatives that promote quality education.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of Tompolo Foundation, High Chief Government Ekpomupolo noted that
education remains the foundation of social transformation, stressed that teachers play a crucial role in shaping society’s future.
He revealed that growing up in the creeks of the Niger Delta and now serving as chairman of the Tompolo Foundation, he has witnessed firsthand the challenges being faced by corps members in effectively teaching students, particularly in rural and riverine communities in Delta State.
The chairman of Tompolo Foundation said corps members bridged the gap of insufficient teachers in the rural and riverine areas but lack the basic pedagogical skills needed to carry out the teaching business effectively, adding that was the reason for the foundation to partner with Delta State NYSC to equip the corps members serving as teachers with the basic skills to engage the students effectively and inspire critical thinking among the learners.
Chief Ekpomupolo, who was represented by Dr Paul Bebenimibo, added that the Tompolo Foundation has been assisting corps members with stipends, accommodations and other incentives to encourage those of them to teach in the riverine and rural areas.
Chief Ekpomupolo stated that well-trained corps members will leave a lasting impact on the students they teach, fostering a generation that is better equipped for the future.
The founder of the Tompolo Foundation revealed that addressing the pedagogical gaps among corps members will enhance their quality of teaching, strengthen the broader education system, and contribute to national development.
He added that the Tompolo Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to initiatives that promote quality education.
Earlier, the commissioner for Basic Secondary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu, while commending the Tompolo Foundation and Delta NYSC for the official launch of the training programme, enjoined other stakeholders to emulate the foundation.
Mrs Ezewu, who was represented by Chief Ejiroghene Erifevieme, stated that she looks forward to seeing the impact the training on pedagogical skills will have on the NYSC members and schools.
Also speaking, Chief MacDonald Igbaduwei commended the Tompolo Foundation for training corps members posted to rural areas.
He noted that the gesture will enhance and sharpen their teaching skills, thereby making learning interesting for the pupils and students.
A lecture titled Pedagogical Skills: A Key Imperative for Enhancing Quality Education in Nigeria by Dr. Oghenevwede Oyovwi examines the importance of training corps members posted to both public and private schools in the riverine and rural areas.
Dr Oyovwi thanked the Tompolo Foundation and Delta State NYSC for the initiative, saying after the training, the corps members will be enhanced with the necessary skills to teach the learners in their various mandate areas.
He listed the benefits of enhancing pedagogical skills to include increased confidence and effectiveness, Better classroom management, and improved community engagement, amongst others.
The Director of Education Projects Tompolo Foundation, Dr Job Bebenimibo, revealed that the training programme will kick off officially on Wednesday, March 18, 2025, with the training of 50 corps members in the first batch.
National Youth Service Corps NYSC was established on May 22, 1973, by the Nigerian government during the military regime of Head of State Yakubu Gowon to promote national unity, self-reliance, and community development.
