The Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has urged teachers to adopt contemporary teaching methods, conduct research, and embrace technology and digital transformation, promising to ensure that they get their rewards here on earth.
Minister of Education Professor Tahir Maman stated this at a media briefing to commemorate the 2024 World Teachers Day, with the theme: Empowering Educators for a Sustainable Future.”
He urged teachers to continue to be resilient, despite the economic and security challenges facing the country.
“Even when faced with challenges, they demonstrate resilience and remain dedicated to their responsibilities. Therefore, I urge all teachers to look beyond current circumstances and respond to the challenges of adopting contemporary teaching methods, conducting research and embracing technology and digital transformation.
“Although many teachers work under very hard conditions, they have remained dedicated to their duties in the interest of the Nigerian children.
“We are aware that the voices of our teachers have contributed immensely to changes in the world. They have been building men and women and making their attributes worthwhile. They are contributing much more to human capital development. Governments at all levels are doing all it takes to enhance teacher’s professionalism for nation-building and national development.
“While we acknowledge the need for good working conditions and environment, we hope that all stakeholders will continue to listen to the voices of our teachers and the Nigerian Union of Teachers. Many teachers work under very hard conditions, yet they remain dedicated to their duties in the interest of our children.
“I hope that teachers will receive their rewards not only in heaven but beginning here on earth. As we celebrate teachers today, we recognise some awards of excellence. I urge those who are yet to be recognised not to relent but to be assured that their time will soon come. Your voices are valued.” he said.
According to him, the Nigerian government holds the teaching profession in very high esteem, leading to the establishment of more specialised universities of education and implemented policies of the bursary in Nigerian universities for students studying education, stressing that the beneficiaries of these awards in the 2022 academic year are 3,317. The number is even larger in 2024.
“Additionally, the government, through the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) entered into a bilateral agreement on chaired mobility for ease of international engagements. Teachers’ welfare remains a priority for the employers of labour, despite the economic and security challenges in Nigeria,” he said.
The Minister commended the contributions of all stakeholders, including international development partners, for their support in mainstreaming the nation’s teachers, which has made them perform well at home and abroad as they, like other professionals, carry out their duties with passion.
The Minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo,
President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Titus Audu Amba said the union members are committed to supporting initiatives of the Federal government aimed at promoting the welfare and professionalism of teachers in the country.
“For us at NUT, we are committed to supporting the government to make sure the welfare of teachers and professionalism of the teaching profession is well taken care of.
“We are doing our best to make sure we partner with the government to achieve this because there is no country that develops beyond its teachers or the teaching profession,” he said.
As part of events marking the annual event in 2024, a symposium has been held, while the award-winning presentation is scheduled for Saturday 5th of October.
UNESCO, a United Nations organ, since 1994, set aside October 5th every year to celebrate the resilience of teachers around the world after it was first recommended in 1966.
Dominica Nwabufo
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