The United Nation Education Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO),in partnership with the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has launched a sensitisation and school mapping exercise under the EU–UNESCO Education and Youth Empowerment Project (Phase II).
The initiative, which covers six states Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Oyo, Plateau and Katsina aims to strengthen Nigeria’s education system and improve learning outcomes.
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Speaking at the inauguration in Yenagoa, UNESCO’s Head of Office and Representative in Nigeria, Jean-Paul Abiaga, described the exercise as a major step in implementing the EU-funded programme focused on expanding, integrating, and strengthening systems to build teacher capacity and resilience.
He said teachers remain the backbone of any effective education system, adding that UNESCO is honoured to provide technical support across the focal states.
Abiaga emphasised that the establishment of Teacher Learning Teams (TLTs) is central to UNESCO’s model for sustainable teacher development.
According to him, TLTs allow teachers to learn collaboratively, enhance classroom practices, and foster stronger connections with students and communities,an approach proven globally to boost learning and make school systems more resilient.
He added that the mapping exercise, carried out with SUBEB, the Ministry of Education and local education authorities, will provide essential geo-referenced data on school locations, teacher distribution and infrastructure.
SUBEB Chairman, Ifidi Festus, represented by the Director of Social Mobilisation, Joy Pulesi-Otowono, commended UNESCO for supporting the initiative, noting that public sensitisation is key to its success.
Also, the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Education, Simon Peter, urged schools to fully support the mapping exercise, stressing its importance for planning and student development.
UNESCO Programme Assistant, Esther Ikenye, said the project also addresses teacher shortages, working conditions and professional resilience, particularly in fragile contexts.
