NIEPA Trains Teachers to Assess Impact of Home-Grown School Feeding Programme

A 2-day training workshop was held at NIEPA from April 30th to May 2nd, 2024 where dedicated teachers from primary schools in Ondo West were invited to draft learning achievement instruments for primary 3 and 6. The goal? To assess the impact of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s innovative Home-Grown School Feeding Programme on the academic performance of pupils.

NIEPA’s Acting Director General Dr. David Adebiyi Shofoyeke, in his welcome address, stressed the significance of education research in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. He emphasized that the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme is a game-changer, providing nutritious meals to pupils and boosting their cognitive abilities.

The workshop highlighted the crucial role of teachers in assessing the effectiveness of the programme and identifying areas for improvement. By developing instruments to measure learning outcomes, teachers can track the progress of their pupils and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly.

Mrs. Akinmogbe Helen, a class teacher at St. Luke Anglican Primary School, Oka, Ondo, spoke on behalf of the participants, expressing her gratitude to NIEPA Ondo for the opportunity. She confessed in her interview with the Institute’s Media Officer, Bodunde Tenabe that, the workshop had transformed her approach to preparing her pupils for examinations, describing it as a “career-changing experience.” She urged the Ondo West Education Secretary and the State government to take advantage of NIEPA’s numerous beneficial programs to enhance the academic performance of pupils.

The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme has been hailed as a revolutionary initiative, providing a nutritious meal to over 10 million pupils in public schools across Nigeria. By supporting local farmers and the local economy, the programme also promotes community development. The impact on academic performance is undeniable, with pupils showing improved concentration, attendance, and overall academic achievement.

Concluding the programme, Dr. Olaolu Festus who serves as the Acting Registrar of NIEPA described the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme as a shining example of the Federal Government’s commitment to education and the well-being of Nigerian pupils. According to him by investing in this programme, we are investing in the future of our nation. We must continue to support and expand this initiative, empowering our teachers and pupils to reach their full potential… Olaolu said.