The Director-General, National Teachers Institute (NTI), Dr. Ladan Sharehu, says 454 distance learning centres have been established by the institute nationwide, to upgrade the teaching profession.

He made the disclosure in Birnin Kebbi, on Saturday while addressing newly admitted students at the matriculation ceremony of the institute.

Sharehu, who was represented by Hajiya Rabi Atto, said that the institute would sustain the in-service education for teachers through distance learning system.

He listed the progammes available at the institute as Pivotal Teacher Training, Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), Advanced Diploma in Education, Bachelor's Degree in Science and Education, and Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

"The NCE programme is accredited by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) while the Bachelor's Degree programmes are affiliated to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN),’’ he said.

The director-general advised students to ensure they obtained the required knowledge that would improve their teaching skills and warned against activities that would bring the institute into disrepute.

The state Coordinator, NTI, Alhaji Salwanu Maiwada, said 70 Bachelors of Arts in Education, 72 Post graduate in Education and 53 NCE students were matriculated.

Maiwada called on the students to shun examination malpractice, cultism and anti-social activities that would tarnish the image of the institute. (NAN)

*Photo shows Dr. Landan Sharehu