The MTN Foundation, in partnership with the Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL), has launched the Teachers Fellowship Programme, a transformative initiative aimed at equipping Nigerian teachers with innovative tools, methodologies, and digital resources to enhance classroom engagement and productivity. With over 6,000 applicants, the program selected a group of outstanding educators whose stories highlight its profound impact.
Manasseh Mbah Bagayang, a chemistry teacher from Kaduna State, began his teaching journey out of necessity after struggling to find work in his field of chemical engineering. Before participating in the fellowship, his teaching approach was conventional and uninspiring. Through the program, he discovered inquiry-based learning (IBL), a student-centered methodology that fosters curiosity and critical thinking. Implementing IBL transformed his classroom dynamics, turning passive students into active learners despite challenges like limited access to electricity and the internet.
In Lagos, primary school teacher Susan Adeshola leveraged the program to innovate in a resource-constrained environment. By creating visual aids from cardboard and downloaded images, she engaged her students in ways that earned her commendations during an unexpected classroom visit by supervisors. Susan’s experience demonstrates the power of creativity and adaptability in overcoming limitations and inspiring a love for learning among students.
Asmau Adamu Yakubu, a biochemistry graduate turned teacher in Kaduna State, described her journey as revolutionary. Applying IBL principles, she connected lessons to her students’ daily lives, sparking curiosity and engagement. Asmau envisions integrating IBL with digital tools to bridge the gap between underserved communities and modern educational practices, paving the way for equitable access to quality education.
Brian Anthony from Ondo State, a teacher driven by his passion for shaping the future, credited the program for enhancing his teaching skills and encouraging continuous professional growth. By combining IBL with digital resources, he transformed his classroom into an interactive learning environment where students actively participate and retain knowledge more effectively.
The MTN SAIL Teachers Fellowship Programme has reinvigorated the teaching profession for its participants, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in their classrooms. As these educators implement what they have learned, the initiative is poised to catalyze broader educational reform across Nigeria, inspiring a generation of students prepared to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
