The Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN)has ended a one day workshop in Port Harcourt with over 150 teachers in attendance.
The one day workshop aimed at training chemistry teachers, on how to teach the subject better in secondary schools, was organized by the chemical society of Nigeria in collaboration with Iganatus Ajuru University of Education and was held in the Ministry of Justice hall, on Tuesday June 26, 2012.
In his speech, the zonal vice president, Dr. Joseph Imanoh told the audience that the zone has introduced South-South conference. This he said the zone has added this conference to the National conference, which they have been holding and that this conference is starting this year in Akwa Ibom State.
The Vice President use this medium to advise all teachers to improve their career, trying to be computer literate as teachers has gone beyond mere speakers in the classroom to facilitators using computers in their teaching.
In her goodwill message, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Obuzor who supported the workshop with N50,000 to encouraged participants, said that this workshop will add to their credentials and give them edge over their equals who did not attend, adding that it will give them promotion as its academic and asked interested members who had not registered, to please do so.
The guest of honour, Prof. Rosemund Green Osahogulu blamed non-challent aptitude of teachers to work as a problem of chemistry teaching in schools, putting in that any person who doesn’t like the work should take an alternative profession, or drops their negative aptitude and turn for positive approach.
Speaking to this weekly, the State Chairman Ekerette A. Daniel who earlier supported the function with N100,000, added voice to the keynote speaker
Prof. G. K. Fekarurhobo to say that lack of standard laboratory is another problem in the teaching and chemistry which is also like other science subjects need practical approach where the student will see what they are teaching them.
He also agreed with the keynote man, saying, there is need for refresher’s course for teachers and that is what brought about this workshop, he added.
He call on teachers to show zeal and interest in the teaching of the subject as well as taken courses on computers as to be computer literate opined that one need to be versed in the subject to be able to impact in students.
The Chairman decried rate of failures in science subjects in the previous West African Examination Council (WAEC) Examines that the society is out of proper solution to this effect.
Daniel said that in another dimension, the student are not interested in chemistry due to the way some teachers handle the subject, he said that teachers need training and retraining which Government should take the lead and should be emulated by multi Nationals doing business in the country.
He further called on teachers to teach with passion, knowing that they are working for development of the country scientifically, adding that since resource person for the workshop are professionals and experienced, there is hope that they will deliver.
The keynote speaker, Prof. G. K. Fekarurhobo also emphasized on English usage while teaching, he talked on psychological barriers and remuneration (welfare encouragement package) for the teachers as simultaneous from the employer.
He further said that if things are properly put in place the subject will improve and chemistry course will form centre stage for human lives and there will be a drastic change for better.
By Mene Gbarabe
