ASABA/Nigeria: In a renewed drive to strengthen the teaching of Mathematics and Science in Delta State, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), in collaboration with the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has commenced a five-day capacity building workshop for 200 newly employed Mathematics and Science teachers drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state.
According to the organizers, the training is part of the ongoing Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) programme, which builds on the successful completion of Phase One, Cycle 1 to Cycle 4 of the In-Service Education and Training (INSET) conducted between 2012 and 2025.
The workshop, a residential training initiative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), is scheduled to hold from Monday, October 20 to Friday, October 24, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily at Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ughelli, in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by the Director, Teacher Development Department, Delta SUBEB, Mrs. Eru Ezefili, on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Samuel Mariere, the workshop is themed “Attitudinal Change in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics and Science.”
Mrs. Ezefili said the capacity building exercise is designed to enhance teachers’ competencies in delivering Mathematics and Science lessons more effectively at the basic education level using the ASEI-PDSI approach — a learner-centered model that promotes Activity, Student-centered, Experiment, and Improvisation (ASEI) through Plan, Do, See, and Improve (PDSI) methodology.
She explained that the training aims to shift focus from traditional teacher-dominated instruction to a modern, participatory approach that encourages creativity, experimentation, and critical thinking among learners.
“The emphasis of this training is to move away from the old system of rote teaching to a modern, engaging process where learners are actively involved,” the statement read. “This approach will not only improve understanding but also sustain interest in Mathematics and Science among pupils.”
UBEC and SUBEB officials noted that the workshop will feature intensive practical sessions, peer review exercises, and mentorship opportunities to equip teachers with innovative teaching tools for classroom application.
They reaffirmed the Federal and State Governments’ commitment to continuous teacher development as a strategic means of improving the quality of basic education across Nigeria.
The SMASE initiative, which originated through Nigeria’s partnership with JICA, has over the years transformed classroom practices and helped build a network of professional teachers who can effectively deliver science and mathematics education in line with global standards.
