President Bola Tinubu has said that his administration will leave no stone unturned in ensuring teachers’ welfare and quality education at all levels.
Tinubu said this at the 2024 World Teachers’ Day Celebration in Abuja on Saturday.
The president, represented by Senator George Akume, the SGF, said that taking care of teachers and providing quality education is important for empowering women, preventing diseases, and reducing poverty.
“There is no gain in saying that the Federal Government of Nigeria presently emphasises the teaching profession as enshrined in the National Policy on Education.
“This policy states amongst the goals of teacher education, to produce highly motivated, conscientious and efficient classroom teachers at all levels of our educational system, provide teachers with the intellectual and professional background adequate for their assignment,” Tinubu stated.
“Painstakingly, teachers make efforts to develop themselves in the use of the emerging technologies for their teaching purposes,” the president noted.
Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, praised teachers and said the government is fully committed to supporting and preparing them for the future.
“In spite of the challenges you face, your commitment remains unwavering, and for this, we are deeply grateful.
“You are the foundation upon which the success of our education system rests, and without you, the future we envision for Nigeria would not be possible.
“As we celebrate today, it is important that we also reflect on the significant role education plays in national development. Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about building a nation.
“We are working diligently to improve teacher training, professional development, and working conditions across the country,” Sununu said.
“Together, we can create an education system where teachers are not only appreciated but also fully empowered to contribute their expertise in shaping our policies and driving positive change,” Sununu added.
The NUT President, Comrade Audu Amba, was not happy about the teachers’ welfare packages not being implemented as promised by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari at the 2020 WTD.
Amba wants the government to make sure the approved incentives are put in place to boost teacher morale.
Among the incentives he listed were special salary scale for teachers and bursary awards for education students.
He also talked about the Special Teachers Pension Scheme to keep experienced teachers and let them retire later, among other benefits.