FG launches online classes for schools to tackle 1.2m teacher challenges
Tunji Alausa
… live lessons Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m
Federal Government has unveiled a countrywide programme designed to expand equitable access to online learning for primary and secondary school pupils.
The development is to address the nationwide shortage of over 1.2 million teachers across all levels of education.
Tagged the ‘Inspire Live(s)! Online Real-Time Classes Initiative, the groundbreaking initiative targets the persistent shortage of qualified teachers and the need to guarantee uninterrupted learning across the country.
According to a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, deploying technology to deliver live, interactive lessons directly to learners, Inspire Live(s)! democratises access to quality education and ensures that no child is left behind, regardless of location or circumstance.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, confirmed that full implementation was underway, with expansion set to cover all classes from Primary 1 to Senior Secondary 3.
However, while the JSS and SSS classes are set to commence, the primary school programme is yet to be rolled out.
According to the statement, the programme is open to all public and private schools across the country.
“Currently, the Inspire platform streams daily online classes for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, featuring: JSS 1, JSS 2, and SS 2 classes; live lessons Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.,” the statement revealed.
It listed subjects offered in JSS to include: Basic Science, Mathematics, English Language, ICT, Agricultural Science, Basic Technology, Civic Education, French, Physical Education, Religious Studies, History, and Business Studies.
Similarly, subjects in SSS include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Geography, Agricultural Science, Technical Drawing/Catering Craft, Civic Education, and Automobile Mechanics.
Boriowo pointed out that classes would be delivered by certified master teachers using Cisco Webex, adding that to ensure seamless nationwide implementation, the ministry had notified all commissioners of education to nominate a State Focal Officer to coordinate Inspire Live(s)! activities; circulate programme details to all public and private school principals; ensure designated schools are equipped with basic ICT facilities and internet connectivity; and oversee the completion of registration, which will be strictly conducted by school principals via the Inspire support channels.
