The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on government at all levels to invest more in the educational system, especially in the training of the teachers, as no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers.
The union made the call during the 2019 teachers’ day celebration at Ansar-Ud-Deen Comprehensive College, Ota, Ogun State.
The event, which was con-sponsored by MTN Nigeria, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Brown Wemmy and Chemstar, featured lecture on “young teachers and the future of the profession”, health talk, novelty match and cultural display.
Safar Asade, chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota branch of NUT, said at the event, that education was the bedrock of any nation’s development, and teachers were central to achieving goals set for national development.
“There is need for the governments at all level to invest in the training and retraining of teachers in line with the global trend so that they can continue to impart relevant, current and up-to-date knowledge into the pupils.
“A situation where teachers don’t have adequate training and facilities to teach is spelling doom for the educational system. Teaching environment should be conducive for the teachers.”
Asade condemned sexual harassment in educational institutions and urged the government to ensure proper investigation and adequate sanctions for culprits of the heinous crime.
Ogun State chairman of NUT, Titilope Adebanjo, praised the Dapo Abiodun-led administration for initiating a good working relationship with the union.
He, however, appeal to the state government to prioritise teachers’ welfare by paying their outstanding leave grants. Adebanjo also stressed the need for the state government to recruit new teachers to replace retired ones from both primary and secondary schools, and regular release of subventions to the schools.
JOSHUA BASSEY
