By Talatu Maiwada
The PLAN International, in partnership with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Nigeria, has developed a framework to institutionalise onboarding and orientation for newly recruited teachers in Adamawa.
Mr Zakari Tanimudari, Project Officer, PLAN International, disclosed this at the State-Level Validation and Adaptation of the Teacher Onboarding and Orientation Manual on Monday in Yola.
Tanimudari said the initiative was implemented under the Building Resilient Education Systems Project funded by Expertise France.
He said the pilot project was being implemented in Numan, Fufore and Michika Local Government Areas of Adamawa.
According to him, the project aims to strengthen teachers’ professional development and wellbeing in crisis-affected states, particularly Adamawa and Sokoto.
He said many newly recruited teachers lacked the skills and orientation required to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
Tanimudari said PLAN International and stakeholders developed the onboarding framework and manual to provide structured guidance for newly employed teachers.
He said the document was validated to ensure its relevance, adaptability and sustainability beyond the project’s lifespan.
According to him, the manual is expected to become a permanent resource for teacher induction and professional development in Adamawa.
Tanimudari said 20 master trainers from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) would be selected to support continuous onboarding of newly recruited teachers.
He said the manual addressed teacher wellbeing, remuneration, professional growth and gender-responsive teaching practices.
He added that it also covered classroom management, communication skills and inclusive teaching approaches for diverse learners.
“Properly trained and supported teachers are more likely to deliver quality learning outcomes,” he said.
Tanimudari stressed the need for state ownership of the initiative to ensure teachers were no longer deployed without adequate orientation and preparation.
Mrs Jiddere Kaibo, National Chairperson of FAWE Nigeria, said the programme was designed to support teachers working in conflict-affected communities.
Kaibo said the onboarding programme bridged the gap between theory and practice through practical, job-ready training.
She added that peer-support mechanisms, including mentoring and teacher circles, would help teachers address professional and personal challenges.
Mrs Patience Bimas, Director Adamawa Ministry of Education, who represented the Commissioner for Education, Dr Graba Pella, said the manual would improve classroom practice and teaching effectiveness.
Bimas commended PLAN International for supporting teacher orientation and professional development in the state.
Mr Mohammed Musa, Director at Adamawa SUBEB, said newly recruited teachers were posted to their local government areas of origin for familiarity and safety.
Musa said government had deployed additional security personnel, including paramilitary operatives and forest guards, to vulnerable communities.
He added that teachers serving in hard-to-reach areas received incentives to cover transportation and living expenses.
Musa expressed confidence that the initiative would improve teacher retention and learning outcomes across the state.
He urged newly employed teachers to take their responsibilities seriously and continually improve their capacities, especially in digital skills. (NAN
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
