Obi urged the teachers to stay steadfast and patient amidst the prevailing hardship in the country.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February poll, Peter Obi, has urged all teachers in Nigeria to stay dedicated to the cause of nation-building.
Obi stated this in a message on World Teachers’ Day 2023 celebrated every Ocotber 5, stressing that the bedrock of any society’s development lies in human capital development, a goal attainable solely through education and the invaluable contributions of teachers.
He emphasised the importance of carrying out their responsibilities diligently and setting positive examples for both their students and society as a whole. Obi also said that genuine societal development hinges on the invaluable contributions made by teachers.
“The immense dedication, hard work, patience, and commitment displayed by many teachers across various schools and institutions, particularly at the foundational level, in their efforts to shape their students into knowledgeable and virtuous individuals, merits commendation,” he said.
Expanding on his point, Obi disclosed that during his tenure in Anambra State, his administration would not have accomplished the numerous successes in the education sector without the unwavering dedication and commitment of the state’s teachers. He stressed the urgency of revolutionising education nationwide by actively addressing the issue of 22 million out-of-school children, emphasising the need for increased investment in education and the recruitment of more teachers to achieve this vital goal.
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“I consistently express my appreciation for and celebrate teachers in Nigeria whenever the opportunity arises. Let’s consider Mr. Akeem Badru, who received the prestigious 2023 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award. My strong belief is that the government should make it a priority to honor Nigerian teachers who have, through their steadfast dedication and hard work, demonstrated outstanding excellence in diverse ways. It’s time to redirect our focus from celebrating individuals who contribute to the challenges our nation faces,” he expounded.
Obi further called upon the government to treat teachers’ salaries with utmost importance and ensure timely disbursement. Noting the critical nature of basic education, he urged governments at all levels to step in and guarantee that teachers in private and voluntary schools receive compensation on par with their counterparts in public schools.
Obi urged the teachers to stay steadfast and patient amidst the prevailing hardship in the country, while maintaining hope for a brighter future in what he called the New Nigeria.