The Federal Government has said despite the economic and security challenges bedevilling the country, the welfare of teachers in Nigeria remains one of its top priorities.
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman who made the disclosure at a press briefing ahead of the 2024 World Teachers Day (WTD) celebration, urged teachers to be resilient in the face of adversities adding that their hard work would surely be rewarded.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, he noted that although many teachers find themselves working under very hard conditions, they have remained dedicated to their duties in the interest of Nigerian children.
He said: “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.
“I sincerely commend the contribution of all stakeholders, including international development partners, for their support in mainstreaming our teachers. They have been performing well at home and abroad. Teachers, like other professionals, carry out their duties with passion.
“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.
“The government holds the teaching profession in very high esteem, having established more specialised universities of education and implemented policies of bursary in Nigerian universities for students. 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.
“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.
“It is my 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 recognized not to relent but to be assured that their time will soon come. Your voices are valued.”
President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Titus Amba noted that the union was committed to supporting initiatives of the Federal government aimed at promoting the welfare and professionalism of teachers in the country.
“We’ve heard the assurances of the Federal Government in some of the policies of the government that will impact positively the systems and even the teaching profession.
“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.
“If teachers are well taken care of, trained and retrained, I can assure you the sky will be our limit. I urge all of us to celebrate teachers because without teachers we won’t be here.”
