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The European Union (EU) has launched the second phase of its education programme, “Expand, Integrate, and Strengthen Systems (EISS),” aimed at enhancing the skills of Nigerian teachers.
The programme was inaugurated in Abuja, where EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Samuela Isopi, stated that the phase, focused on teachers, builds on the first phase, Education and Youth Empowerment in North Western Nigeria, which began in 2023.
The combined funding for both phases is 45.4 million euros, part of the Global Gateway Strategy designed to improve global connectivity in digital, energy, and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education, and research systems worldwide.
Leila Ben Amor Mathieu, representing the EU’s head of human development, announced that the EU will collaborate with six training colleges in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Katsina, Plateau, and Oyo, which will in turn support a broader group of teachers.
“Teachers are the foundation of education. They inspire, nurture, and guide future generations. Investing in teachers is investing in our collective future,” she stated, emphasising the essential role teachers play worldwide in shaping young minds.
She noted the challenges faced by teachers in many countries, including Nigeria, such as limited resources and the need to adapt to rapidly changing educational settings.
The EU, recognising these challenges, has partnered with the Nigerian government to support teachers’ professional development and resilience.
By empowering teachers, the programme aims to enhance the quality of education and ensure students receive necessary guidance and support.
UNESCO will implement the programme. UN Resident Coordinator Mohammed Fall praised Nigeria’s efforts to meet Sustainable Development Goals but expressed concern over the insufficient number of trained teachers.
According to Fall, the UNESCO Global Report on Teachers 2023 highlights a global issue with teacher attrition, which doubled from 4.6% to 9% between 2015 and 2022.
“Teachers are leaving the profession within the first five years. We must address this concerning trend,” he said.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, highlighted the importance of the programme as a significant step toward transforming Nigeria’s education landscape.
Represented by Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, Director of Basic Education, he commended the EU’s financial support, UNESCO’s technical assistance, and the commitment of state governments involved.
Prof. Mamman noted that a robust education system is crucial for national development and that the project aims to improve students’ outcomes and increase the number of qualified, resilient teachers in Nigeria.
