The UNESCO Institute for African Culture and International Understanding (IACIU) has urged educators to adopt culturally responsive teaching strategies to help preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
The institute emphasized that formal education should not detach Nigerian students from their cultural identities but should instead encourage them to embrace and celebrate their heritage.
Speaking at a training session for educators held at Lagos State University, Ojo, on Tuesday, Dr. Deborah Agbanimu, an Associate Expert at UNESCO-IACIU, stressed the importance of integrating cultural awareness into teaching. She highlighted that this approach not only fosters respect for Nigeria’s diverse traditions but also enhances students’ critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
The event, which brought together 75 educators, explored innovative teaching methods that promote both academic excellence and cultural appreciation. Dr. Agbanimu, who spoke on the theme “Raising Awareness Among Secondary School Teachers on the Use of Culturally Sensitive Pedagogies for the Preservation and Advancement of Cultural Expressions and Diversity,” underscored the role of teachers as cultural ambassadors.
“Teachers are not just conveyors of knowledge; they are also cultural ambassadors,” she noted. “By embedding culturally sensitive pedagogies into their teaching, they create inclusive spaces where students see themselves reflected in their learning experiences.”
She further explained that education should serve as a tool for strengthening students’ connections to their cultural roots while preparing them for an increasingly globalized world.
“This programme goes beyond improving teaching techniques; it is about building an education system that respects and sustains cultural heritage while equipping students with essential skills for success,” she added.
The training featured expert-led sessions on developing culturally responsive curricula, incorporating local knowledge into classroom instruction, and addressing biases in teaching materials.
Educators also participated in interactive workshops aimed at enhancing their ability to recognize and celebrate cultural diversity within their classrooms, ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel valued and included.
The UNESCO-IACIU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an education system that not only promotes academic achievement but also preserves and advances Nigeria’s cultural identity.
