Meet Abel Ochika, a dedicated teacher/teacher educator from Nigeria and a Community Moderator for the TeachingEnglish programme in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2024.
Reigniting passion for teaching through the TeachingEnglish community
Abel Eleojo Ochika is a dedicated English teacher and teacher educator from Nigeria with over 15 years of experience at the tertiary level. Like many educators, Abel has faced significant challenges, particularly burnout and the temptation to leave formal teaching due to heavy workloads and poor remuneration.
His turning point came through the TeachingEnglish webinar titled Professional Lives of Teachers: Teachers’ Perspective by Dr Ivana Aleksic. The session helped Abel realise that his struggles were not unique. It offered a broader understanding of the systemic issues affecting teachers and inspired him to stay in the profession and contribute to its transformation.
'Leaving the profession might just be a temporary solution to a deeper issue. I now appreciate the work we’re doing under English Connects, Africa ELTA, and ELTAN. These structures are helping make the vocation of teaching English more attractive and sustainable.'
Professional development with purpose
Abel’s involvement in British Council programmes has strengthened his confidence and teaching practice. He now mentors other teachers, encouraging them to take advantage of free professional development resources. His approach to course planning, formative assessment, and collaboration has improved, and he feels more fulfilled in his role.
'Professional development has improved the quality of my work. I feel more confident in handling topics and networking with colleagues locally and internationally.'
Integrating technology for better learning
Abel has embraced social media and digital tools to enhance student engagement. Recognising that students are naturally social, he uses platforms to coordinate virtual classes, share resources, and encourage academic collaboration.
'Technology is already part of students’ lives. Used responsibly, it makes learning more engaging, accessible, and relevant.'
Sharing knowledge and inspiring change
Abel was invited to present at a regional webinar on Matching the right assessment tools with learners’ needs. The experience deepened his understanding of formative and summative assessment and helped him design more effective learning experiences.
'Assessment isn’t just about measuring comprehension—it’s about shaping learning experiences that meet students’ needs.'