GESP YABATECH Partners With INASP UK to Equip Educators With Gender-Responsive Pedagogy Skills

Yinka Olatunbosun

In a groundbreaking initiative to promote gender equality in education, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), through its Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) programme, has partnered with the UK-based International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP) to train educators in Gender-Responsive Pedagogy (GRP). This partnership, supported by UNICEF Generation Unlimited and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), aims to equip lecturers and facilitators with the tools to create inclusive learning environments that challenge gender biases and foster equal participation in education and employment.

The three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, held in Lagos, was designed to enhance the skills of educators and position them as ‘gender champions’ who will advocate for gender equity in teaching methodologies. With over 30 trainers participating, the workshop focused on gender-sensitive teaching practices, facilitation techniques, and strategies to dismantle stereotypes in education.

Mai Skovgaard, Senior Programmes Specialist at INASP, highlighted the importance of gender-responsive pedagogy, stating: “It ensures that both girls and boys will benefit equally from the training or the teaching that they’re participating in, so that ultimately, both girls and boys will be able to enter into employment and succeed in their professional life. The enthusiasm and engagement from the participants have been fantastic, and it is clear that YABATECH has the ambition to become a leader in gender-responsive pedagogy in Nigeria.”

Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, Project Coordinator of the GESP Programme at Yabatech, emphasized the institution’s commitment to pioneering gender-inclusive education: “We are enhancing the skills of our trainers to ensure that gender-responsive pedagogy is embedded not only in YABATECH but also in other institutions across Nigeria. This initiative is a response to gender stereotypes and biases that have long created barriers for women in male-dominated fields, particularly in STEM and ICT.”

The training addressed unconscious and internalised biases in education and the workplace. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, exploring ways to foster inclusive teaching environments. Mrs. Rebecca Martins, one of the participants, shared her experience: “This training has been an eye-opener, especially in Africa, where gender stereotypes are deeply rooted. We are learning how to facilitate classrooms where boys and girls are given equal opportunities to thrive in any field, be it engineering, science, or the arts.”
Mr. Anthony Agu, another participant, expressed his appreciation for the training, stating: “This opportunity has given me a broader perspective on facilitation. I intend to extend my knowledge to other staff members at YABATECH so that more educators can integrate gender-responsive teaching methods into their classrooms.”

Facilitators of the workshop included Prof. Flora Fabia, INASP Associate and Vice Chancellor of Mwanza University, Tanzania, and Albert Luswata, INASP Associate and Chair, Centre for Ethics, Uganda Martyrs University. They led discussions on gender equity, inclusive facilitation techniques, and strategies to challenge stereotypes that hinder educational progress.

YABATECH’s Rector, Engineer Abdul, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to gender equity in education and commended INASP and GESP’s efforts to spearhead the initiative. With continued mentorship from INASP, the trained educators will implement these techniques, fostering a culture of inclusivity in Nigeria’s educational system.

This partnership is a significant step toward dismantling gender biases in education and empowering young girls to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. Through this initiative, YABATECH aims to set a national precedent for integrating gender-responsive pedagogy in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.