Teachers Are Our True Heroes, Says First Lady....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Teachers across the world were celebrated yesterday in recognition of their vital role in shaping minds and nurturing future generations as the world marked the annual World Teachers’ Day. The global event, held every October 5, highlighted the theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”

In Nigeria, the occasion was marked with tributes from the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Minister of Education, state governors, and teacher unions, all applauding educators for their dedication while calling for improved welfare, better working conditions, and reforms to attract more young people into the profession.

The First Lady, in her message, described teachers as “true heroes” who shape minds, nurture dreams, and guide generations, noting that their work remains the backbone of national development. As a lifelong teacher, Mrs. Tinubu said she deeply respects the profession and those who dedicate their lives to it.

She emphasized that the theme of this year’s celebration, which draws attention to the global shortage of teachers, serves as a call to action for governments to invest more in teacher development and empowerment. “The shortage of teachers is a challenge we must confront with urgency, by empowering educators, investing in their growth, and inspiring more to join this noble profession,” she stated.

Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, urged stronger collaboration among all stakeholders to deliver quality education nationwide, stressing that peer mentoring, co-teaching, and digital collaboration have significantly improved learning outcomes. He revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education has introduced policies such as the National Teacher Policy to empower teachers, promote continuous training, and enhance professional standards through the Teachers Registration Council (TRCN) and National Teachers Institute (NTI).

Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, noted that the government is implementing reforms like the National Teacher Development Policy (2022) and the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework to foster professional learning communities across schools.

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) applauded the Federal Government’s tuition-free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, describing it as a model of effective policy implementation. ASUSS President, Comrade Sola Adigun, however, lamented that 16 states have yet to implement the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers Act, 2022. He called for unity among stakeholders to tackle the challenges of poor welfare, decaying infrastructure, and insecurity in schools.

In Edo State, the government announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme and the recruitment of 500 new educators. Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, said the move demonstrated Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to rewarding dedication and addressing teacher shortages. He added that the state had built over 68 schools and trained more than 6,000 teachers in digital and technical skills to enhance classroom delivery.

In Taraba, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) demanded career progression for teachers up to Grade Level 17, equivalent to Permanent Secretary rank. The union’s chairman, Comrade Solomon Nathan, argued that qualified teachers possess the capacity to lead at the highest administrative levels. Commissioner for Education, Dr. Augustina Yahaya, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare and school infrastructure.

Similarly, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, praised teachers’ resilience and professionalism, describing them as the cornerstone of educational development. Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, through NSUBEB Chairman Dr. Kassim Muh’d, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prompt payment of salaries and entitlements, unveiling a new initiative—A.A. Sule Leave No Child Behind Project—to expand access to quality basic education.

In Lagos, Page Financials honoured two outstanding public school teachers, Mrs. Ipinlola Olaiya and Mr. Fashina, with N100,000 each for their dedication and service. The firm’s Head of Marketing, Ola Moses, said the gesture was part of the company’s mission to “celebrate and empower everyday heroes.”

Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Moyosore Ogunlewe, also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to teacher welfare and development, promising to sustain policies that promote excellence and collaboration within the education system.

Across Nigeria, the message was clear — teachers remain the unsung heroes of national progress, deserving of recognition, respect, and renewed investment in their noble profession.