The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Alice Lawrence-Nemi, says the state will continue to develop the capacity of its teachers to ensure effective service delivery.
She made the promise during the commencement of a three-day training for French Teachers at the Alliance Francaise in Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner, represented by the Director, Higher Education in the ministry, Mrs.Mae Solomon, noted that the demand for French Language was on the increase and the need to expose the pupils to an alternative foreign language was necessary.
She said, “The training and re-training of teachers is one of priorities of the state government.
“The state is using this to promote the human capital development in the teachers. Just last month, we organised courses for the newly recruited 13,201 teachers.”
She added that the exercise would enhance the capacity building of the teachers and enable them to identify and meet challenges in the profession.
She stated, “A well –trained teacher is a treasure to cherish. Without a good teacher, the school is just another building. We will continue to enhance and develop every sector in the profession so as to get the best from our teachers.”
The commissioner also urged the teachers to try to meet the demands of the French Language in the 21st century.
“The demand for French Language is on the increase and the need to equip our pupils and students with the language is necessary, ” she stated.
She commended the Alliance Francaise for collaborating with the Ministry of Education in the training of teachers in the state.
The President, Alliance Francaise, Port Harcourt, Alek Musa, said the collaboration with the ministry was a good development.
He stated, “It is becoming a little more obvious that we are in the middle of many French speaking countries and we are also a big country and a big player in Africa.
“You cannot lead when you don’t have followers and leadership is not about political leadership.”
The President, Nigerian Association of French Teachers, Mrs. Sarah Blackduke, commended the Rivers State Government for the recent employment of 13,201 teachers and for sponsoring the workshop.