EU to invest 5.4m euros to train teachers in North-West; The European Union (EU) has pledged an additional 5.4 million euros to enhance the training of teachers in the North-Western region. This investment was announced by the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, during the official launch of the 40 million euro intervention program on education and youth empowerment in North-Western Nigeria through the Global Gateway initiative.
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EU to invest 5.4m euros to train teachers in North-West
Ms. Urpilainen highlighted that this investment aligns with the EU’s commitment to address the issue of out-of-school children in the North-West region by improving access to quality education and empowering the youth. She emphasized the importance of investing in teacher training, as there can be no quality education without well-prepared teachers.
The program’s objectives also include providing vocational education and promoting behavioral change campaigns to challenge harmful social norms and empower girls. The EU aims to equip Nigerian youth with the skills necessary to excel in the labor market.
Ms. Urpilainen stressed the significance of involving young people in decision-making processes and creating spaces for their visibility. Nigeria, as both an economic powerhouse and a strategic partner of the EU in the West region, is a focal point for these efforts.
The program’s multifaceted approach involves addressing out-of-school children, providing direct assistance to families, cash transfers, social protection, income generation, and supporting validated teaching and learning in targeted schools. It also encompasses child-centered medical and sexual reproductive health training, racial gender equality initiatives, and building community and state-level capacities to deliver education.
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa, speaking on behalf of the North-West governors, expressed gratitude for the EU’s support in addressing the issue of out-of-school children. He underlined the region’s commitment to investing in education and assured that the support would significantly contribute to improving the educational system and overall social development.
The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, emphasized the importance of education and youth empowerment for national development. He called on state governors to prioritize education and youth empowerment, citing the government’s dedication to committing 25 percent of the budget to education. The forthcoming education sector roadmap aligns with the EU’s objectives for educational revitalization.