…as initiative builds capacity of JSS students in Abuja

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Education authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed support for the inclusion of confidence-building and emotional literacy in Nigeria’s public basic education system, reinforcing the growing consensus that academic learning must be complemented by social and emotional development.

This position was highlighted during the Grit and Grace Confidence & Capacity Building Workshop, a one-day programme held for students of Junior Secondary School (JSS), Karu, Abuja.

The workshop was convened by Mrs. Catherine Oyenike Abagun, an education advocate and author, and delivered with the support of the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB).

Representing the Director of Education, FCT, Mrs. Chinwe Ogwueleka commended the initiative, describing it as a meaningful complement to conventional classroom teaching.

She emphasised the importance of programmes that strengthen students’ emotional intelligence alongside academic instruction and reaffirmed the Board’s openness to partnerships that contribute to the cognitive, emotional and social growth of learners in public schools.

The workshop engaged both girls and boys in structured learning sessions focused on self-confidence, resilience, storytelling as a learning tool and early purpose awareness.

Through guided discussions, reflective exercises and age-appropriate creative activities, students were supported to identify their personal strengths, express emotions and develop positive self-concepts.

Institutional support for the programme was provided by the school leadership, with the Principal of JSS Karu, Mr. Moses Shimachimin, coordinating and supporting its implementation. His involvement highlighted the role of school-level collaboration in ensuring the effectiveness of external educational interventions.

To reinforce learning beyond the one-day engagement, students were provided with Grit and Grace workbooks designed to encourage continued reflection and practical application of the lessons learned. Some students were also recognised for outstanding participation, reinforcing positive reinforcement as a motivational approach within learning environments.

Speaking on the broader educational significance of the initiative, Project Coordinator, Mrs. Gusi Tobby Ker, explained that the Grit and Grace framework was developed to complement existing curricula by addressing confidence gaps, identity formation and resilience; areas that directly influence student participation, retention and academic performance.

She added that the ongoing Grit and Grace Tour is aimed at extending the learning model to more schools and communities across Nigeria.

Reflecting on the outcome of the workshop, convener Catherine Oyenike Abagun stressed the importance of early intervention in education.

“When children are given language for their experiences and tools to understand themselves, learning accelerates. What we observed today confirms that confidence, emotional literacy and purpose discovery are not extras they are enablers of education,” she said.

The initiative contributes to ongoing national conversations around student wellbeing, character education and psychosocial support within Nigeria’s basic education framework, offering practical insights for policymakers, educators and development partners committed to raising well-rounded future leaders.