Computer literacy now compulsory for primary school teachers
Submitted on 17/10/2007

From SA on ICT, Kaduna

To ensure computer literacy and most importantly that the nation catches up with the rest of the world in technological development, computer education is now compulsory for primary school teachers nation-wide, who will then impart the skill to their pupils.

The Director-General of National Teachers Institute (NTI), Dr. Patrick Onyekwere stated yesterday at a computer workshop for teachers held in Kaduna.

He maintained that for the country to catch up with the rate of technological development in the world, its citizens must be computer literate.

According to him, "we have come to realise the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

"ICT is not only in enhancing programme delivery but in expanding learning opportunities by increasing access".

He pointed out that since the nation's economic well-being in this century where economic activities are information-based and knowledge-driven , much would depend on the nation's professionals being ICT compliant.

Onyekwere maintained that "The concomitant pressure from this economic imperative would be brought to bear on the education of young children, who are the future key economic players."

The NTI boss added that "the teacher curriculum at the National Certificate in Education (NCE) level has also made training in basic computer skills and the use of computer in teaching and learning compulsory in the training of teachers."

He went on: "The teacher is therefore, central towards the development of ICT competences in schools. While attempts are now being made to train pre-science teachers in basic computer skills, there is the need to train the army of the serving teachers who are not computer literate as well."

Onyekwere continued: "This is why any initiative in this direction will be readily supported as this kind of training is capital intensive, there may be the need to deliberately make adequate fiscal plans for this intervention in the educational system".

The NTI director-general allays fears of some teachers that when computers are deployed to the classrooms, they would displace the teachers.

"If the experiences of other countries that are ahead of us are anything to go by, teachers' role in instructional processes where ICT is integrated, will multiply".

In attendance at the occasion were the representatives of the Minister of Education. Commissioner of Education, Kaduna State, Nomadic Education Commission and UBEC.

Governor Arch Mohammed Namadi Sambo is a true democrat, whose approach to problems is always humane and conciliatory he is a man of peace who patiently looked to the future with courage and hope. His commitment in the direction of transforming the state into a relatively better integrated and functional polity is continuing  with a mission  to create a stable  and cohesive polity capable of securing effectively the interests of the various communities and giving them the opportunity to develop and live in peace  with one another.

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