In commemoration of the 2024 World Teachers Day (WTD), the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has advised Nigerian teachers to be resilient in the face of adversities.
Mamman gave the advice at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, to herald the 2024 WTD, adding that teachers would surely be recognised with time.
The Minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Sani- Gwarzo, said that many teachers worked under very hard conditions, yet they remained dedicated to their duties in the interest of 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. Government 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,” he said.
He said that even when faced with challenges, teachers demonstrated resilience and remained dedicated in their responsibilities.
He, therefore, urged all teachers to look beyond current circumstances and respond to the challenges of adopting contemporary teaching methods, conducting researches 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 bilateral agreement 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.
While acknowledging the need for good working condition and environment, he urged stakeholders to continue to listen to the voices of teachers and the Nigerian Union of Teachers.
According to him, 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,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WTD is celebrated annually on Oct. 5, focusing on “Valuing teacher voices: towards a new social contract for education”.
The celebration is to underscore the urgency of calling for and attending to teachers’ voices to address their challenges.(NAN)
