In a historic milestone, 4,000 educators graduated from the SAIL Teachers Fellowship Training Program, held at the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ipakodo, Ikorodu. Senator Adetokunbo Mukhail Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District emphasized the significance of this initiative in advancing education.

The SAIL Teachers Fellowship Training Program, co-created by Senator Abiru and his wife under the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, in collaboration with the MTN Foundation and Re-learn by CcHub, has trained an impressive 6,417 educators across Nigeria. The program aimed to equip teachers with innovative tools and techniques to revolutionize learning in their classrooms.

The training program consisted of two phases: a virtual training for over 6,000 teachers and an intensive, hands-on mentorship for 400 top-performing participants. As a result, these teachers are now empowered to foster creativity, critical thinking, and engagement among their students.

Senator Abiru expressed his pride in the graduating teachers, stating, ” We witnessed a monumental moment in advancing education. Classrooms are evolving into spaces of curiosity and innovation, touching the lives of thousands of Nigerian students.”

He emphasized the importance of human capital development and educational advancement, underscoring his commitment to scaling this initiative further with continued support from the MTN Foundation and other private-sector partners.

Senator Abiru’s initiative is a testament to his dedication to education and human capital development. As he concluded, “To our graduating teachers, take pride in your achievements today, but remember that this is only the beginning. Use these skills to shape and empower your communities and aspire to be the change-makers who will not only inspire the next generation but redefine Nigeria’s role on the global stage.”

Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, commended Senator Tokunbo Abiru for his innovative approach to empowerment. According to Pastor Ojelabi, Senator Abiru has deviated from the traditional method of empowerment, which often involves distributing materials that are quickly sold, having little lasting impact on the community.

Instead, Senator Abiru’s approach focuses on empowering individuals with skills and knowledge, preparing them to become employers of labor rather than just recipients of handouts. Pastor Ojelabi praised this initiative, stating that it is a more effective way to elevate people from poverty and create a more sustainable impact on society.

The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Abdulkabir Adewale Shotobi, shared his personal experience that highlighted the significance of technology in today’s world. Speaking about an incident that occurred in September, Oba Shotobi narrated how he had traveled to sign a document, only to be told upon arrival that his physical presence was not required. The second part of the document was subsequently signed via email.

He commended Senator Tokunbo Abiru for his commitment to promoting technology among teachers, youths, and other groups. The senator’s efforts aim to empower individuals with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, applauded Senator Tokunbo Abiru for his commitment to technology-driven programs. Sule highlighted the alignment of Abiru’s initiative with Lagos State’s digital transformation agenda, which aims to position the state as a leader in technology-driven education.

According to Sule, the state government is not only upgrading physical infrastructure but also raising the quality of teaching delivery through digitalization. This deliberate move is designed to enhance the educational experience and better prepare students for the challenges of the digital age.

Mr. Timothy of CC Hub shared his firsthand experience of witnessing lives changed through the various programs offered at the Senator Abiru Innovation Lab.

Timothy highlighted the ripple effect of Senator Abiru’s initiative, citing examples of students from different parts of the country, including Musa from Kano, Ngozi from Aba, Tega from Warri, and Adeola from Obalende, who have benefited from the training. He noted that these students now experience better learning outcomes, while many young people have acquired skills and secured jobs as a result of the senator’s efforts.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Timothy expressed heartfelt gratitude to Senator Abiru, his wife Feyishola Abiru, and the MTN Foundation for their magnanimity and commitment to education.

Asmau, a teacher from Kano, shared her inspiring story of transformation through the SAIL Teachers Fellowship Program.

Asmau admitted that she, like many others, was initially uncertain about what to expect from the program. However, through the various phases of the fellowship, she and her colleagues learned, relearned, and unlearned new teaching strategies, collaborative projects, and leadership roles.

One of the most significant breakthroughs for Asmau was overcoming her phobia of technology. The program’s emphasis on innovation and digital literacy helped her build confidence and develop new skills.

She expressed her gratitude to Senator Abiru and other partners, acknowledging that the experience has been life-changing.