By DAYO ADESULU

Head of Department, Arts and Social Sciences, Education, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor  Ajike Osanyin has said that every child deserves being given the opportunities for manipulative skills that will enable him function efficiently in the society.

She stated that the hope for a healthy, happy, friendly, peaceful and socially competent generation lies in the quality of the foundation provided for its young generation adding that teachers should build a child educational future by providing general education of all disciplines to enable children seek the basic functional knowledge and comprehension about the world.

Osanyin charged teachers that while impacting knowledge on students, they should endeavour to inculcate permanent literacy, numeracy and ability to communicate effectively as that will lay a sound basis for scientific and reflective thinking for the children.

According to her, “It is necessary to give the child opportunities for developing manipulative skill that will enable him function effectively in the society within the limits of his capacity. Providing the child with basic tools for further educational advancement, including preparation for traders and craft of the locality is vital in the process of learning.”

On classroom management, Osanyin tasked teachers to create a physical environment that is welcoming and conducive to learning reiterating that a social environment that promotes communication, interaction and self-fulfillment will enhance learning.

The Don insisted that teachers must continue to ensure that the academic environment does not only promote good learning but also exhibits a good social and physical environment that welcome and encourage free flow of communication and interaction.

Osanyin, while speaking at the 2011 edition of Indomie Teachers’ Seminar organised for teachers of government owned primary schools in Lagos State held recently at the University of Lagos said that the program was exclusively designed for public primary school teachers with the aim of rendering a motivational support to teachers as the major key drivers of education.

Also speaking, Mr. Olufemi Ashiwaju, CEO Brandels Limited Communication outfit, urged the teachers to be self motivated and continually upgrade their knowledge and competence level without necessarily waiting for an external push.

Ashiwaju reiterated that laying a sound basis for scientific and reflective thinking requires a positive mental attitude, which is the key in every aspect of the teaching cycle.

He implored teachers to endeavor to take full responsibility of constantly developing their personal competencies both in the area of knowledge and practice, in other to get to the point of recognition where accolade is truly deserved.

While explaining the rationale behind the annual Indomie Teachers Seminar, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, The Public Relations Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, disclosed that the company putting such an event together was borne out of the fact that most activities, events are being centered more on children, thereby practically neglecting the gatekeepers who have been making things happen.

“We appreciate the fact that teachers are one of the most important tools behind the developmental growth of a nation especially at the primary level when children are beginning to learn and understand our values and culture” he remarked.

Tope stated that “As a company we believe that one of the ways to show our appreciation to these teachers for all the supports we have always been getting over the years is by constantly organizing seminars and workshops specifically for them, however, this is also in line with the focus of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility which places high priority on educational development of the Nigerian children.