Ministers emphasizes on the quality of teachers for the future African generation

Addis Ababa, 18 July 2013- The African Union Commission held the Pan African Conference on Teacher Development (PACTEDIII) at the ministerial level on, Wednesday 17 July 2013, at the AUC headquarters, in Addis Ababa. The one day ministerial session ended with an unanimous agreement on the necessity for innovative methods for the development of the African teacher. On behalf of the AUC, Dr. Beatrice Njenga, the Acting Director of the department of Human Resources, Science and Technology at the AUC moderated the session.

In his opening remarks, H. E. Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources Science and Technology (HRST), at the AUC called for a revision of traditional teaching programmes, emphasising that the Pan-African vision of 2063 is unachievable without qualified teachers. “The AUC is the best opportunity to make sure that such goals are achieved”, he said.

On her statement, read on her behalf by Dr. Macjohn Nwaobiala, Permanent Secretary, Nigerian Ministry of Education; H.E.Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, the Minister of Education for Nigeria and Chair of the Conference of Ministers of Education of the African Union (COMEDAF V), stressed the need to take bold steps in building adequate and motivated teaching workforces continentally. “We still have numerous constraints in the sector and should bear in mind the task of passing on our principles and visions to the upcoming African generation”, she added.
Several presentation were made on the topics of developing quality teacher education programmes towards the future Africa; partnership for implementation of the PACTED roadmap; and ensuring high level teaching faculty staff for Pan African University, among others.

During the day-long meeting, the ministers discussed and considered the report of the senior officials meeting, which has been held on 16 July 2013.