Eko Hot Blog reports that President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that teachers in Nigeria receive the recognition and rewards they deserve. During the 2023 World Teachers’ Day commemoration at Eagle Square, Abuja, his assurance was delivered through Stanley Nkwocha, his senior special assistant in the office of the vice president.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerian teachers, including overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and insufficient opportunities for professional development. He emphasized that these issues stemmed from the prolonged neglect of the teaching profession.
In his keynote address titled “Teacher Appreciation: Nurturing Minds, Changing Lives,” Vice President Shettima highlighted the significance of education in shaping a better future. He stressed that education is not only a means to individual success but also a path to global harmony and sustainable development.
Shettima promised to prioritize the human aspect of education, recognizing that well-taught workforces are essential to building a society that fosters international cooperation and addresses global challenges.
President Tinubu also highlighted the importance of teachers, expressing the nation’s gratitude for their vital role in nurturing and guiding future generations. He noted that education is a powerful tool that transforms the fortunes of families in a single generation.
In the era of artificial intelligence and technological advancements, Tinubu acknowledged the new challenges and opportunities faced by teachers in the digital age. He directed the Ministers of Education to collaborate with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to revise guidelines, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the latest teaching techniques and information technology skills.
Tinubu also mentioned the “Harmonised Retirement Age of Teachers in Nigeria Act 2022,” which allows dedicated teachers to serve for up to forty years or until the age of sixty-five, whichever comes first. He encouraged teachers to take advantage of this policy, provided they possess contemporary teaching skills, including proficiency in information technology.
The President outlined the government’s plans to modernize educational infrastructure, introducing advanced learning technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual classrooms. These technologies, he believes, will revolutionize education in Nigeria.
In conclusion, President Tinubu expressed the government’s commitment to fostering a culture of appreciation for teachers and recognizing their contributions throughout the year. He emphasized the importance of rewarding excellence in the teaching profession and building a system that harnesses the potential of new learning technologies.
The event included opening remarks by Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman, who highlighted teachers as champions of Nigeria’s transformation. The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Amba, praised the government’s efforts to improve teachers’ welfare and working conditions and urged teachers to embrace technology and innovation.
Goodwill messages were presented by other dignitaries, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Bunkure.
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