University of Omar Bongo in Gabon launches competency-based teacher training programmes

In January 2023, the University of Omar Bongo (UOB) launched capacity-building trainings for professors and researchers on the competency-based pedagogy at the university level. Supported by the China Funds-in-Trust (CFIT) Phase III:Higher technical education in Africa for a technical and innovative workforce, the workshop aimed to address the skill needs for national growth by enhancing lab our market-oriented and competency-based education.

UOB, as one of the 12 CFIT III partner universities, conducted a series of activities following the official launch of the project on 4 November 2022, including a lab our market study in the subject areas of education, culture, art, tourism, and hospitality. In January 2023, the university project team met with experts and project specialists from UNESCO Libreville office and headquarters to present progress on the pedagogy reform and to plan for activities in 2023. Competency-based curriculum review will be a focus area of development following the trainings.

The first workshop, from 16 - 20 January, focused on developing lesson plans, identifying situational problems and skills to be developed, and improving teaching methods applying the competency-based approach. "We had a fruitful discussion on the main elements of competency-based teaching and learning to improve teaching quality. This is an opportunity to share expertise and learn from each other," said Rita Thiessen, trainer of the workshop.

The competency-based approach provides essential support for the professionalization of training programmes at UOB, a university specializing in humanities, arts, and social sciences. "This pedagogy is particularly relevant for UOB' s curriculum review. It places the student at the center of the learning process while responding to evolving labour market demands," noted Prof. Frédéric Mambenga-Ylagou, Secretary General for higher education and research at the Ministry of higher education and scientific research of Gabon, also national focal point of the CFIT III project.

"You received, during five days, the essential elements of the competency-based approach. Professors are encouraged to experiment subsequently with the methods in teaching activities," said Prof. Mesmin-Noël Soumaho, Rector of the University. Prof. Soumaho also appreciated the technical support of CFIT III in scaling up capacity-building, and in improving the quality and relevance of the curriculum at UOB. "As the most time-honored university in Gabon, we are seeking to incorporate professional training into the curriculum for our transition to respond to national development needs," he added.

The CFIT III project works in collaboration with higher education institutions in Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda to develop competency-based curriculum guided by labour market analysis to equip youth with the right skills for employment and professional growth.

• More about the CFIT III project