The Kokoeka Nasa-Okolie Educational Foundation (KONEF) has called for greater investment in teachers’ professional development, welfare and career stability to strengthen Nigeria’s education system.
The foundation made the call in Abuja on Monday at its 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, held in line with the global theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future.”
Representing the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, the Director, Tertiary Education Department, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Adoyi Ofikwu, said World Teachers’ Day provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of teachers to national development.
Speaking on “Building a Lasting Teaching Career: The Value of Stability, Professional Growth, and the Future of the Profession,” he said sustained investment in teachers was essential to building a strong education system.
He quoted the minister as describing teachers as “the heartbeat of the education system”, noting that they played important roles as mentors, character builders and nation builders.
According to him, the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remained committed to improving the welfare, professional development and recognition of teachers.
He commended KONEF for its efforts to recognise teachers and support initiatives aimed at strengthening the profession.
The Founder of KONEF, Dr Rosemary Nasa-Okolie, said the foundation was working with educators, schools and communities to promote quality teaching, inclusive learning and access to basic education.
Nasa-Okolie urged teachers to develop confidence in their profession and pursue career stability, stressing the importance of continuous professional development.
She said the foundation was collaborating with TRCN to support teachers’ professional registration and with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to facilitate access to healthcare for teachers and their families.
Nasa-Okolie also announced plans for a teachers’ housing scheme, under which participating teachers would have access to land through a structured payment arrangement.
She encouraged teachers to maintain high standards in teaching, appearance, conduct and professional values, saying these were necessary to restore public confidence in the profession.
As part of the celebration, the Chairman of Beautiful Beginning Academy, Engr Chinasaokwu Innoce
nt Okolie, supported two teachers of the school, Isaac Obaji and Lateef Salawu, with half-payment towards land acquired under the KONEF Teachers’ Housing Scheme.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike; Assistant Secretary of the Council, Comrade Sharon Emephia; representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, TRCN and NHIS, as well as representatives of participating schools, education stakeholders, school owners and representatives of relevant government agencies to discuss the challenges facing the teaching profession and ways of improving teachers’ professional standing.
The schools included Beautiful Beginning Academy, Apo; Milestone Academy, Gwarinpa; Jimmik Surestart Academy; Gracemade International School; and Previa Learning School Abuja.
Activities at the celebration included a march-past, cultural displays, raffle draws and the presentation of awards and cash gifts to outstanding teachers.
