21st Century Education - Management Training for Nigerian School Owners and Principals

At the end of 2021 a group of management professionals from Nigeria visited University of Oulu for a one-week training. The group consisted of school leaders and owners and was ordered by EIN Education, a company from Lagos, Nigeria focused on developing education.

As for the training, the focus was on familiarizing with the Finnish Education system, change management, global education and innovative use of learning environments. The training was organised in cooperation with Educational and Cultural Services of City of Oulu and University of Oulu Teacher Training School.

During the week the group had lectures at the University, visited several schools in the area and participated in a networking event with local companies and businesses in the education sector.

"The awareness of each trainer and teacher of the subject matter was fabolous."

- Training participant

As trainings with educational professionals always include reflection and discussion, it was a great chance for experts from two different cultures to exchange ideas and thoughts regarding developing their actions. As the world of education has witnessed it´s biggest challenge in recent decades during the COVID-19 epidemic, the management of educational institutions has been equally tested. The requirements of changing education for the demands of the situation, as well as the future, has brought a great demand in developing teachers´ and managements competence. This similar challenge provided the foundation for discussion during the visit.

"The quality of the organised training was top-notch. I love the sense of dedication and commitment among the staff. The training changed my old ways of thinking."

- Training participant

During the training the major talking points were learning environments used in primary education, transversal competences that guide the curriculum and the autonomy and freedom of teachers in Finland. Also the values guiding the school community and the whole society were points that the visitors found interesting. As for internationalization and professional development, trainings like these provide new perspectives for the trainees and also for the hosts.

Enjoying the Finnish nature and culture was also on agenda as the training courses are not only hard work but also getting to know the country as well. The group enjoyed visiting the Koitelinkoski rapids and spent time shopping and sightseeing at the City of Oulu.

Is your institution interested in a training at our University?

For more information, please contact global.education@oulu.fi.