Mr. Stephen Akpabio, Chairman of the All-Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS) in Akwa Ibom State, has lauded a recent capacity-building workshop facilitated by the Senior Education Advisor from Southwark Council, London.
The workshop aimed to upscale the skills of principals of public secondary schools in the state.
The initiative stems from the Akwa Ibom State Government’s commitment to an education exchange program with the United Kingdom. The program seeks to enhance collaboration in education, business, sports, and tourism between Akwa Ibom State and the Southwark Council, London.
During the two-day workshop, Mr. David Bromfield, the Senior Education Advisor, emphasized the importance of quality leadership in education and effective curriculum inspection. He highlighted various leadership styles and the significance of proper curriculum inspection in ensuring educational standards.
Principals commended the workshop, acknowledging its impact on their leadership skills and administrative capabilities. Mr. Akpabio expressed optimism that the insights gained from the workshop would lead to improved school performance and urged the state government to institutionalize such capacity-building initiatives.
In his presentations, Mr. Bromfield underscored the need for principals to embrace change and adopt suitable leadership styles to achieve desired outcomes. He emphasized the importance of curriculum inspection in monitoring the quality of education and student development.
Additionally, the workshop addressed challenges in education and proposed solutions for advancing the sector. The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, emphasized the workshop’s relevance in promoting global best practices in education delivery.
The Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, praised the workshop’s contribution to human resource development in the education sector. He highlighted the state government’s commitment to providing opportunities for overseas exposure to bright but disadvantaged students.
Governor Umo Eno reiterated the government’s dedication to the education exchange program, emphasizing its benefits for Akwa Ibom children. He assured the return of participants and proposed further collaborations between the state and Southwark Council.
Mayor Michael Situ of Southwark Council commended Akwa Ibom’s commitment to the partnership, expressing confidence in the success of the exchange program. He anticipated reciprocal visits and interactions between the two regions, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
The workshop concluded with recommendations for policy reforms and continued engagement to enhance educational outcomes and promote sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State.