LASG to extend ‘Eko Excel’ training to secondary school teachers

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday says it will soon extend the Eko Excel training to secondary school teachers in line with international best practices.

The Lagos Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, made this known at a two-day induction of newly appointed principals and vice-principals in Lagos State Post Primary Teaching Service held in Lagos.

The theme of the workshop/induction was: “Strategic Thinking, Management and Policy Development Skills for Newly Appointed Principals and Vice-Principals of Lagos State Secondary Schools”.

Adefisayo said that the performance of students was as a result of the quality of teachers in the school, while the output of teachers was based on those in authority in the school.

She urged the teachers to always adapt to every rising challenges embodied with not only educational leadership but also in transformational leadership.

“So many lives are entrusted to your hands for grooming and mentorship, therefore, l urge you all to be up and doing.

“Do not forget that the teaching profession is to nurture minds.

“Be of great influence to the students, teach them morals and build their confidence and boldness,” the commissioner said.

She advised the participants to develop their skills, especially in the area of technology and continue to grow to be part of the 21st century.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the Chairman, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs Elizabeth Ariyo, said that the newly appointed principals and vice-principals were expected to provide leadership that serves the moral purpose of education.

According to her, the moral purpose of education is a critical motivator for sustaining complex reforms.

She said that moral leadership, therefore, was at the heart of school improvement.

“We expect leadership that is underpinned by the principle of justice and beneficence.

“We also want leadership that is tough enough to demand a great deal from students, parents, teachers and tender enough to encourage the hearts.

“These are the leadership we need in the smart city- Lagos,” she said

The chairman advised the participants to act as role models and ensure they put into practice all they had learnt.

In her Goodwill message, the President of All Nigeria Conference of Principals (ANCOPSS), Lagos Chapter, Mrs Moronkeji Folashade, said that there was need for the formulation and implementation of fresh and unique ideas to cater for the education needs which would fit into the 21st century.

Folashade charged the participants to go back to their various schools to work passionately towards the realisation of the objectives of the smart city which Lagos State was aiming at.

“Poor leadership is tantamount to poor output, therefore, l implore you to constantly work to improve and update yourselves.

“Learn strategy and growth tactics, be fair, firm and maintain an effective communication skills; remain perfect models for others; for these are the basic principles of a good administrator,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day workshop was aimed at making participants understand the need to develop creative and lateral skills, understand the leadership paradigm of the work environment.

It was to appreciate the need to incorporate strategic thinking in the management of school system and also expose them to electronic elite management mindset.

The newly appointed principals and vice principals were taken through emerging trends in effective school administration and management, fundamental rights in schools and how to curb social ills in the school environment with particular emphasis on sexual abuse. (NAN)