EDUCATION LEADERSHIP REDEFINED: NIEPA WORKSHOP SETS NEW STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL MANAGEMENT

The National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) has once again demonstrated its capacity-building prowess by hosting a landmark workshop in conjunction with the Universal Basic Education Commission on Effective School Management in the 21st Century. Held at SA’ABHI Hotel, Mararaba in Nassarawa State, the 5-day event brought together headteachers, education officers, and principals from across the three geo-political zones in northern Nigeria, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to excel in school management.

Declaring the workshop open, the Director, of Educational Planning Research and Development of the Federal Ministry of Education Mrs. Obianuju Anigbogu highlighted the importance of leveraging technology, data-driven decision-making, and adaptive leadership strategies to create learning environments that foster academic excellence and inclusivity. The Director also highlighted reforms in the education sector, including developing a 4-year Strategic Plan and comprehensive policies such as DOTS, aimed at connecting all aspects of the education system to prepare students for success in the 21st century.

In his welcome address, The Acting Director General/Chief Executive of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) Dr. David Adebiyi Shofoyeke welcomed participants to a workshop on Effective School Management in the 21st Century. He emphasized the importance of education in national development and social change. The NIEPA Boss lamented that despite efforts to improve basic education, challenges persist, including poor reading and math skills, high dropout rates, and low transition and completion rates. Dr. Shofoyeke assured the participants that the workshop objectives aim to address these challenges by exposing participants to topical issues such as effective school management, instructional leadership, school culture, and stress management. He informed the gathering that the workshop in Mararaba, Nassarawa state was taking place simultaneously in Kano and Gombe states respectively.

The workshop, facilitated by seasoned experts from NIEPA, delved into topical issues such as effective school management, instructional leadership, school culture, and stress management. Participants were equipped with adaptive leadership strategies, data-driven decision-making, and technology integration techniques to create conducive learning environments that foster academic excellence and inclusivity.

Other dignitaries at the opening ceremony who commended NIEPA’s commitment to capacity building in the education sector include UBEC Executive Secretary’s representative Mr. Mahmud Gerei and Mr. Sani Tukur representing the FME Director of Human Resources.