The Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has urged probationary teachers on Grade Levels 08-09 to incorporate creative thinking into their teaching methodologies. The call was made during a two-day capacity-building workshop held at the LCCI Centre, Ikeja, aimed at enhancing the teaching skills of new educators in Lagos State.
TESCOM Chairperson, Mrs. Victoria Mopelola Peregrino, who was represented by Mrs. Kafayat Ajenifuja, Commissioner I, emphasized the importance of adopting innovative teaching techniques to meet the evolving demands of the 21st-century educational system. “There is a paradigm shift in teaching techniques and methodology,” she stated, urging teachers to keep pace with new approaches to thrive in their profession.
Mrs. Peregrino highlighted the critical need for creative skills in modern classrooms, pointing out that students today must be equipped with the right tools to succeed in a competitive global economy. “Experts warn that many of the creative teaching skills required in today’s classroom are being overlooked,” she noted, stressing that traditional curriculums often fail to prepare students adequately for future challenges.
The workshop received support from Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, whose commitment to education transformation was acknowledged by the speakers. Mrs. Peregrino also commended the Governor for his dedication to empowering teachers through capacity development programs.
Other key speakers, including Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye and Mrs. Adeola Idowu, Commissioners representing Ikeja and Badagry Divisions, respectively, urged teachers to align creative teaching strategies with the THEMES Plus priorities to address real-world challenges effectively.
The Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila Adebopo, reiterated the importance of creative thinking in the profession, encouraging teachers to explore new ways of teaching using innovative ideas and digital tools. She further explained that the workshop, themed “Creative Thinking: The Paradigm in the New Teaching Service Towards Sustaining the THEMES Plus Agenda for Probationary Teachers,” focuses on critical thinking, collaboration, digital literacy, cultural competency, and emotional intelligence.
“Teachers must not be left behind in the new creative world order,” Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila added, highlighting the drastic shift in teaching methods due to new technology and digitalization. The workshop was designed to support the Education and Technology pillar of the THEMES Plus Agenda, which aims to revolutionize the education system in Lagos.
Over 370 teachers from six education districts and the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) are participating in the workshop, facilitated by expert consultants from Intermac Consulting Limited. The event underscores Lagos State’s commitment to continuous professional development for educators, ensuring that they can deliver high-quality education in the globalized world.