In a strategic effort to enhance emotional resilience among educators and students, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Adamawa State Government through the Ministry of Education and Human Development, has launched a training program for 1,780 primary and secondary school teachers on social-emotional learning (SEL).
Speaking to journalists in Yola, Dr. My friend Bulus, a UNICEF lead consultant and Associate Professor of Education at the University of Maiduguri, emphasized the urgent need for this initiative. He highlighted that the North-East region has been severely impacted by insurgency and conflicts, leaving many individuals—including teachers, parents, and students—traumatized and struggling with poverty, hunger, and emotional distress.
“This training will empower teachers with the necessary skills to address the realities on the ground. Many educators and parents are themselves dealing with trauma, making it crucial to equip them with strategies to support their students effectively,” Dr. Bulus stated.
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The initiative focuses on training master trainers who will mentor teachers working directly with students. This cascading approach ensures that social-emotional learning is integrated into classrooms, helping learners develop resilience and emotional intelligence.
Joel Isiah Jutum, an education specialist at UNICEF, explained that the goal is to broaden the scope of learning in Nigerian public schools, which has traditionally focused on literacy and numeracy. “We want to foster discussions around social-emotional learning so that children can acquire essential life skills, including conflict resolution and emotional regulation, to navigate challenges without overreacting,” Jutum noted.
By incorporating SEL into the education system, UNICEF and the Adamawa State Government aim to create a more supportive learning environment that promotes peace, adaptability, and psychological well-being among teachers and students alike.
