That New Teachers’ Induction

The educational
sector is very crucial in the socio-economic development of any nation. This is because human capacity development which is the driving force of this needed socio-economic development is always piloted by educational proficiency. Without a resounding victory on the war against educational strangulation, the much needed economic emancipation and independence through scientific innovation and technological advancement, which can spur us into our dream land of developed economy, can never be achieved.
This is why I must applaud the Rivers State Ministry of Education on the Teachers’ recruitment exercise which took place recently across various centers in the State. Most importantly was the induction programme which was powered or delivered by OKHAI EDUCATIONAL SERVICES. It was a wonderful programme by OKHAI. The programme actually impacted so much on the knowledge, attitude and personal behavioral pattern, life-styles of participants, especially as it relates to teaching. It was also an added advantage especially to those whose areas of specialisation were not much grounded on educational related discipline. It was amazing to see that a programme that ordinarily could run for about two years or more in a conventional institution, was compacted and delivered successfully within a month, precisely 5th – 31st August, 2013.
Learning and teaching is a very noble profession and indeed it’s all about giving and taking which was not known to many before the programme. No wonder, Alexander Pope was always skeptical about learning because he believes that every little step or advances into learning has a greater impact, positively or negatively in the life of the learner.
This is why he said “a little learning is a dangerous thing” ….. ‘ However, it is a two way thing as the late John F. Kennedy will always said “liberty without knowledge is always in peril and learning without liberty is always in vain”. It is true that nobody gives what he does not have. Like the Chinese will always say,  good thinking, good product, which also translate into the computer hyperbole, “garbage in garbage out.” The instructors or resource personnel were exceptionally incredible. They had all it takes to mould and remold, build, and rebuild, and they substantially delivered on their mandate which made their choice very good and perfect choice by the Ministry.
The new teachers  would, no doubt, inject  new ideas and new inspirations into the educational system of the State. Considering the caliber, the vigorous and military-like screening exercise and above all, the quality of training received at the induction centers, one is bound to say kudos and thumb-up for the State government the Ministry of Education, and of course, the consultant agency. This is an indication that the government means well for the citizens and also trying to leave up to its civic responsibility of providing a minimum of basic primary education for its citizens at a zero cost in accordance with the United Nations Chatter on Education.
This giant and lofty stride has a great deal of positive effect on the life, standard of living, employment debacle and wellbeing of vast number of citizens of the country. It will go a long way at curbing the menace of social vices which has always accompanied idle minds. So the benefits of this singular and bold step of the government are very enormous.
On the part of the newly engaged teachers, it is biblically stipulated that, to whom much is given, much is expected. Huge sum of resources has been expended on this exercise, so there must be absolute reciprocation. The days when teacher’s rewards were regarded to be in heaven has actually gone. Teachers reward has no limitation, so is the scope of their services and effects on the society. The great
American historian, Henry Adams actually took cognizance of this fact and I agree with him when he said, “teachers affect eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops”.
If we really believe in the philosophy that building an egalitarian nation depends on the upbringing of our children, educationally then, there must be a collaboration, among government, teachers as well as parents and students. The new teachers must learn to turn a new leaf and utilise all the good teaching techniques excellent instructors, have imparted to them to achieve the expected result.
Tordee resides in Port Harcourt.

Manson B. Tordee