By NASEER AL-SIRAJDEEN, Minna
The Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Niger State Wing and the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning & Empowerment (AGILE), joined the global community in recognizing teachers on World Teachers’ Day.
World Teachers’ Day, an annual UNESCO event held every October 5, celebrates educators worldwide and provides an opportunity to reflect on how to support teachers in their quest to impart knowledge.
During the event at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago acknowledged the numerous challenges teachers face in their profession.
Represented by the Niger State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Musa Idris Vatsa, the governor reassured teachers that the state government is implementing several measures to address these challenges.
He stated that the state government is collaborating closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the legislature, to enhance the education sector. In fact, half of next year’s budget will be allocated for the development of education.
Governor Umaru Bago emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving common objectives for educational development in line with the New Niger Agenda. He reiterated his commitment to working with the Nigeria Union of Teachers for the overall progress of the teaching profession.
In his address, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Adamu Mohammed Akayago, noted that despite the daunting economic challenges facing the country, teachers in Niger State remain dedicated to their invaluable contributions to nation-building, particularly in shaping the lives of children and society at large.
He commended Governor Umaru Bago for his efforts toward educational development and urged the government to address the challenges faced by teachers directly.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Muhammad, acknowledged the significant role of teachers in society, stating that their profession goes beyond imparting knowledge to include shaping character, instilling values, and inspiring future generations.
She emphasized that this year’s World Teachers’ Day theme resonates deeply as measures are being introduced to address the evolving challenges in the education system. Dr. Muhammad assured teachers of the government’s continued support and commitment to providing professional development opportunities, promoting mental health, and advocating for improved working conditions.
In a keynote address on the theme, “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” the Executive Director of the Niger State Teachers Development Institute, Dr. Mustapha Ibrahim Lemu, advocated for the inclusion of teachers in the decision-making process to foster inclusivity.
The event featured goodwill messages from representatives of various institutions, including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Nigerian Educational Research & Development Council, Nigeria Labour Congress Niger State Council, and the State Project Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning & Empowerment. All emphasized the crucial role of teachers and called for increased support.
The occasion concluded with the presentation of merit awards and gifts to dignitaries, principals, headteachers, and teachers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the growth and development of the education sector in Niger State.