By Ngozi Okanya
The Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB), Enugu, has reinforced its commitment to holistic education with the successful hosting of SEL-Up TVET, a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) training programme designed for key staff across its institutions.
The impactful event brought together education leaders and development partners to deepen understanding of how emotional intelligence and technical skills together can shape more resilient, responsible, and future-ready students.
In her address, the Chairman of STVSMB, Dr. Amaka Ngene, began by urging educators to adopt a more compassionate approach toward students, stressing the importance of daily individual check-ins.
She highlighted the hidden struggles many learners face including hunger, emotional stress, domestic responsibilities, and long treks to school which often manifest as lateness, inattentiveness, or truancy.
She advised staff to identify the root causes of behavioral challenges and understand students’ emotional triggers before administering punishment, noting that empathy is a critical tool in effective school leadership.
Dr. Ngene expressed appreciation to the Rangers International Football Club Foundation for its partnership and commended the Board’s Directors led by Comr. Brown Nwoga Director of admin, Development heads, Heads of Sections, and participants for their dedication. She aligned the programme with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s transformational agenda, which calls for modernization and innovation within state institutions.
Emphasizing the evolving demands of the global landscape, she stated that while TVET provides technical expertise, students must also develop collaboration, communication, leadership, adaptability, and self-management skills.
According to her, “A young person with skills can work, but a young person with skills and emotional intelligence can excel, innovate, and create opportunities for others.”
She concluded by charging participants to actively engage and transfer the knowledge gained into their classrooms, noting that transforming educators ultimately transforms generations.
Delivering his presentation on behalf of Barr. Amobi Ezeaku the General Manager of Rangers International Football Club Foundation, Barr. Ugo Egbo described Social Emotional Learning as the process through which individuals develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions.
He noted that in a world shaped by social pressure, economic uncertainty, and digital distractions, children require emotional and social competencies alongside academics.
He further explained how sports naturally promote the four pillars of SEL — self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and responsible decision-making, teaching discipline, teamwork, communication, and resilience under pressure.
He highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing youth interventions through structured sports, mentorship, and education programmes, and called for stronger school partnerships, SEL-conscious sports curricula, parental involvement, and corporate investment in youth sports infrastructure.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Principal of GTC Enugu, Comr. Chris Isife, appreciated the Enugu State Government, the STVSMB leadership, and the Rangers Foundation, particularly commending the resource facilitator, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, in anticipation for an insightful lecture and technical sessions.
Participants departed with renewed resolve to embed social and emotional learning into the fabric of TVET education across Enugu State.
