HEALTH EDUCATORS IN SOUTH EAST CONVERGE IN UMUAHIA FOR DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING.

Primary health care educators from across Nigeria’s South East zone are currently in Umuahia for a four-day capacity-building workshop aimed at equipping them with modern teaching skills tailored for the digital age.

The event, part of the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP), is an annual initiative of the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN). It focuses on empowering tutors from colleges and schools of health technology to stay current with global best practices in primary health care education.

Speaking at the opening session, the Registrar of the Board, Dr. Bashir Idris, said the program is designed to ensure that educators are better equipped to train competent community health practitioners.

“This annual program gives tutors the platform to build competence, share ideas, and adopt global best practices that will guide their students beyond the classroom,” Dr. Idris said.

Also addressing participants, the South East Zonal Technical Officer, Comrade Nwede Peter Iziogo highlighted the program’s steady growth and long-term impact. He commended the Federal Government for its consistent support in sustaining the initiative.

In his remarks, Chief Emeka Uwakwe, Chairman of the occasion and leader of the South East Stakeholders Forum, described the training as both timely and strategic, particularly as the healthcare sector continues to evolve.

Other stakeholders in attendance praised the initiative, noting that continuous professional development is critical to addressing new and emerging challenges in healthcare education.

A special highlight of the event was the conferment of a chieftaincy title on Dr. Bashir Idris by the traditional ruler of Eziama Mgbaja Ossa Ibeku, Eze Chiabuotu Emenike, in recognition of his contributions to healthcare development. Dr. Idris was honored with the title “Ezienyindigbo”.

The workshop ended on a celebratory note with colorful traditional dances and cultural performances, reflecting the rich heritage of the host community.

The MCPDP remains a vital tool in strengthening Nigeria’s health care system by empowering those who train the next generation of health professionals.