Kean University School for Global Education and Innovation Welcomes Nigerian Educators

Kean University’s School for Global Education and Innovation welcomed a group of 12 Nigerian educators representing universities, colleges and other institutions of higher education for a conference on effective and sustainable professional development. The delegation came to Kean’s campus for training on best practices to modernize the higher education system of Nigeria.

“When I look at Kean University and the way it started as a college of education and how it is a multicultural university, I find it a good fit that we came here,” said Monday Makhuoga, executive director of Macunique Trainers and leader of the Nigerian delegation.

According to Makhuoga, the problem in Nigeria is that most of the educational materials are based on theory and not on real-world application of skills and knowledge. The direct and hands-on approach of the U.S. education system is preferred by the delegation. At the conference, they looked  at innovative pedagogy and technology integration as methods to advance post-secondary education in Nigeria.

“These are issues that we are dealing with across the country and across the world,” said Michael Searson, executive director of the School for Global Education and Innovation. “How to move from classrooms that look like we’re preparing students to go to work in factories versus classrooms that look like we’re preparing students to enter today’s dynamic marketplace and economy.”

During their three day visit, the Nigerian group toured Kean’s campus, met with President Dawood Farahi, Ph.D., and received an overview of  the student and academic experience at a U.S. university.

“Kean University produces highly qualified graduates, and that is one of the reasons why we have gathered here,” said Makhuoga. “We want to learn from Kean University’s experience so that we can take it back home and make use of it.”

Kean University’s School for Global Education and Innovation is unique in offering pioneering approaches to global education and contemporary learning technologies. The Nigerian delegation’s visit is another example of the school’s work with teachers and education leaders around the world in formulating innovative initiatives, including professional development, work in advocacy and policy development.

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Nigerian delegation visits Kean University's School of Global Education and Innovation for a conference on effective and sustainable professional development. 

Monday Makhuoga, executive director of Macunique Trainers and leader of the Nigerian delegation pictured with Michael Searson, Ph.D., executive director of the School for Global Education and Innovation.

ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1855, Kean University has become one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving nearly 15,000 students. The University’s five undergraduate colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers four doctoral degree programs and more than 60 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. With campuses in Union and Toms River, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable and accessible world-class education.  Visit www.kean.edu.