Tompolo Foundation, Delta NYSC Train Corps Members on Teaching Skills
WARRI/Nigeria: Over fifty corps members in the Warri zonal area on Tuesday participated in a training programme aimed at enhancing their pedagogical skills. The initiative, organized by the Tompolo Foundation in partnership with the Delta State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), seeks to equip corps members with the necessary teaching techniques to improve education quality in rural and riverine communities.
Speaking at the official launch of the programme, the Chairman and Founder of the Tompolo Foundation, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to initiatives that promote quality education.
Ekpemupolo, represented by Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, emphasized that education remains the bedrock of social transformation and that teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of society. He recalled his experiences growing up in the creeks of the Niger Delta and how those experiences informed his understanding of the challenges corps members face in effectively teaching students, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
He noted that corps members often serve as a bridge in addressing the shortage of teachers in rural areas but lack the essential pedagogical skills needed for effective instruction. According to him, this gap necessitated the foundation’s collaboration with the Delta State NYSC to train corps members, ensuring they can engage students effectively and inspire critical thinking among learners.
Ekpemupolo highlighted the Tompolo Foundation’s continuous support for corps members, including stipends, accommodation, and other incentives, to encourage those teaching in riverine and underserved communities. He added that well-trained corps members would leave a lasting impact on the students they teach, fostering a generation better prepared for the future.
He stressed that bridging pedagogical gaps among corps members would not only improve their teaching quality but also strengthen the broader education system and contribute to national development.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, commended the Tompolo Foundation and the Delta State NYSC for initiating the training programme. She urged other stakeholders to emulate the foundation’s efforts in enhancing education quality.
Represented by Chief Ejiroghene Erifevieme, Ezewu expressed optimism about the impact the training would have on both corps members and the schools they serve.
Also speaking, Chief MacDonald Igbaduwei lauded the Tompolo Foundation for its commitment to training corps members posted to rural areas. He noted that the initiative would sharpen their teaching skills, making learning more engaging and effective for pupils and students.
A lecture titled Pedagogical Skills: A Key Imperative for Enhancing Quality Education in Nigeria was delivered by Dr. Oghenevwede Oyovwi, who underscored the importance of equipping corps members with effective teaching techniques. He thanked the Tompolo Foundation and the Delta State NYSC for their initiative, stating that the training would significantly enhance corps members’ instructional competence.
Dr. Oyovwi outlined the benefits of improving pedagogical skills, including increased confidence and effectiveness, better classroom management, and improved community engagement.
The Director of Education Projects at the Tompolo Foundation, Dr. Job Bebenimibo, disclosed that the training programme would officially commence on Wednesday, March 18, 2025, with an initial batch of 50 corps members.
The NYSC, established on May 22, 1973, by the Nigerian government under the military regime of then Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, aims to promote national unity, self-reliance, and community development.
