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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has organized a capacity-building programme for its State Training Officers (STOs) and other Headquarters trainers.
The goal of this initiative is to enhance the training and facilitation skills of its trainers for effective and robust preparation for election duty personnel.
In furtherance of the above, The Electoral Institute (TEI), with technical support from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), is holding a 3-day capacity-building course in Benin, the Edo State capital. The course aims to certify participants as professional trainers upon completion of the intensive programme.
Speaking at the opening of the event on Tuesday, 16th July 2024 the Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru expressed satisfaction in addressing the knowledge and skill gaps of the Commission’s uncertified State Training Officers (STOs) and the Commission’s Trainers nationwide in preparation for the Edo and Ondo Off-Cycle Governorship Elections scheduled for 21st September 2024 and 16th November 2024 respectively.
He emphasized that the training will ensure that election personnel are not only well-prepared but also well-equipped to uphold the integrity and efficiency of the country’s electoral processes and procedures.
Prof. Zuru while highlighting the vital role of the trainers stated, “You are the frontline trainers who train the trainers that interface with the Electoral Field Officers who conduct electoral activities at the Registration Area Centres (RACs), Polling Units and Collation Centres. They will interface with Voters, operate the Bimodal Verification and Accreditation System (BVAS) for accreditation, and upload results onto the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV). They will collate and compile results for declaration of winners.”
“Therefore, your action or inaction in the training of the Trainers of these Election Officials determine the success or failure of electoral activities which in-turn determine the fairness, freeness, credibility, inclusiveness and verifiability of electoral activities. This is why at the end of this course, (if you are successful) you will be given a certificate (Stamp of Authority) to attest to your competence and capability as an Expert Electoral Trainer,” he added.
The Chairman of the TEI Board encouraged participants to pay rapt attention during the training, actively engage in discussions, share their experiences and use the opportunity to expand their professional networks.
In his words, “The insights you gain and the relationships you build here will not only benefit your personal growth but also contribute to the broader advancement of electoral practices as contained in the guidelines and regulations for the conduct of elections 2022 and other ancillary electoral laws.”
The Director General (DG) TEI, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris emphasized professionalism and competence as the core objectives of the training.
According to the DG (TEI), “This training has been meticulously designed with a primary focus on professionalism and competence. We recognize that in today’s dynamic world, the role of a trainer extends far beyond imparting knowledge; it demands a deep understanding of instructional design, training needs assessment, effective communication strategies and the ability to inspire and engage learners from diverse backgrounds.”
He pointed out to the participants that “this course is not just about acquiring a certificate, it is about investing in your continuous growth and development as a trainer. By the end of this program, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of the principles of adult learning and training evaluation but also sharpen your ability to design and deliver training programs that makes a tangible difference,”
The Director of the Training Department, Dr. Binta Mohammed Kassim harped on the outcome of the training. She said, “By enhancing the skills of the participants, we aim to uphold the highest standards of electoral integrity as the training sessions are designed to equip officers with the necessary skills to conduct smooth and credible elections, thereby reinforcing INECs commitment to democratic excellence ahead of the Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections”.
