In a bid to strengthen handwriting skills among pupils in public primary schools, the Ogun State Basic Education Ambassador, Mr. Francis Solanke, has organised a capacity-building workshop for 100 teachers.

The training, held at Imo Methodist Primary School, Oke-Yeke, Abeokuta, drew participants from public primary schools across Abeokuta North Local Government Education Authority.

Speaking at the workshop, the Director of Education, Teacher Development, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Kolawole Adagojo described the programme as a strategic intervention rather than a routine gathering. He noted that handwriting remains a critical foundation for literacy development, academic success, effective communication and confidence building among learners.

“A child who writes clearly and confidently is better equipped to express ideas, participate actively in classroom activities, and achieve improved learning outcomes. Unfortunately, many learners struggle with poor handwriting habits, which negatively affect readability, comprehension, classroom performance and overall academic standards,” he said.

Adagojo urged teachers to approach the training with professionalism and enthusiasm, encouraging active participation, knowledge sharing and the dissemination of acquired skills to colleagues.

Also speaking, the Education Secretary of the Local Government Education Authority, Chief Oluwole Ayorinde, represented by the Head of Department, Academic and School Services, Mrs. Bamigbola Adeyemi advised participants to consistently practice the techniques learned, stressing that regular practice leads to improvement.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Abeokuta North, Mr. Olusesi Oladipo, charged teachers to give their best in ensuring improved performance across schools, particularly in promoting legible handwriting among learners.

Delivering a lecture at the event, the resource person and Director of African American Business School, Ota, Prof. Ben Ezeohagwu, highlighted six pillars of good handwriting, including bold and legible script, consistent starting points, trizonal balance, correct stroke formation, even pressure rhythm and orderly spacing. He urged teachers to adhere strictly to these principles to enhance pupils’ academic performance.

Earlier, the organiser, Mr. Solanke, stated that the workshop was designed to equip teachers with practical, research-based and sustainable strategies to improve learners’ handwriting and overall classroom outcomes. He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for creating an enabling environment that promotes effective teaching and learning.

Responding on behalf of participants, Mrs. Folashade Adebesin of Methodist Primary School II, Ago-Oko, and Mr. Idowu Ridwan of Holy Trinity Anglican Primary School II, Gbagura, expressed appreciation to the organiser and pledged to apply the knowledge gained in their respective classrooms.