Kano college pushes teacher education overhaul

The Sa’adatu Rimi Federal College of Education, Kano, has called for the transformation of teacher education in Nigeria through the adoption of digital innovation, stressing that technology-driven learning is critical to improving the quality and global relevance of teacher training.

The institution said digital tools and virtual learning platforms now offer new opportunities to modernise how teachers are trained, enabling greater access to global expertise and more flexible methods of instruction.

This position was reinforced during an international virtual learning programme hosted by the college, where a certificate training session was delivered remotely by Dr Donna Stallings, a former professor at Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri, United States.

Speaking, the Provost of the institution, Kabiru Gwarzo, expressed support for the adoption of the virtual learning model.

She added that the college was being positioned for digital-driven teacher education in Nigeria.

The virtual learning initiative was developed through the Electronic Education Initiative, whose Founder and National Programme Coordinator, Idonuagbe Akogun, thanked participants for embracing the vision of transforming teacher education through digital innovation and international collaboration.

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Akogun described the programme as an example of how digital innovation can break geographical barriers in education and connect Nigerian teacher trainees and lecturers with international best practices without the cost of physical travel.

He noted that the development reflects a growing shift in teacher education, where technology is increasingly being used to enhance instructional quality, strengthen professional development, and expand access to global knowledge systems.

“For the first time in the history of the Nigerian Colleges of Education system, an international virtual certificate training class is being delivered directly to a College of Education by an accomplished global educator,” Akogun said.

He added that the initiative demonstrates the need for institutions to embrace digital transformation as a core component of teacher preparation, particularly in an era defined by rapid technological change.

“Colleges of Education must reposition themselves to integrate digital pedagogy into their training frameworks if they are to produce teachers equipped for 21st-century classrooms,” he added.

Deborah Tolu-Kolawole

Deborah Tolu-Kolawole is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria’s vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. She blends rigorous reporting with digital storytelling to bring clarity and insight to complex issues affecting learners, educators, and policymakers. Deborah was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize in Journalism, recognising her impactful reporting and contributions to Nigerian media. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism. In addition to her reporting, she is fluent in multiple languages and serves as a contributing member of The Punch editorial board.