BY SAM DUVWODE
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has assured that his administration is committed to maintaining a harmonious relationship with teachers and other workers in the state through the discharge of its obligations.
Governor Oborevwori gave the assurance, yesterday, while delivering a keynote address at the 2024 World Teachers Day celebration held at the Cenotaph in Asaba, the state capital.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, lauded the cordial relationship between the NUT and other labour unions with the state government and expressed hope that it remains that way.
The governor noted the issue of funding requirements, remunerations, and teacher welfare that often dominate the agenda on World Teachers Day, and urged teachers to use the occasion to focus on the issue of excellence in teaching and learning.
According to him, “I believe this is the greatest need facing our educational system today. Teachers and educationists must constantly upgrade their knowledge and teaching skills and adapt to changing situations very quickly”.
“At this juncture, let me state that we are very happy with the cordial and harmonious relationship that exists between the NUT and other labour unions with the State Government. It is my hope and expectation that it remains that way. We are committed to maintaining that harmonious relationship through the discharge of our obligations to teachers and other workers in the state”.
“Beyond the issue of funding requirements, remunerations, and teacher welfare that often dominate the agenda on days like this, it is my sincere hope that you will use the occasion of this year’s celebration to focus on the issue of excellence in teaching and learning. I believe this is the greatest need facing our educational system today. Teachers and educationists must constantly upgrade their knowledge and teaching skills and adapt to changing situations very quickly”. Governor Oborevwori said.
The governor assured that all the issues raised by the teachers about stagnation and all others would be looked into.
Earlier in an address, the National President of the NUT, Comrade Audu Amba who was represented by Comrade Ikechukwu Orobo, noted that this year’s celebration with the theme: “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education” highlights the important role teachers play in shaping the future of education and society, and the need to value their knowledge, voice and participation.
Comrade Amba called on governors who have not implemented the new retirement age for their teachers to do so without further delay, as this would not only provide the school system with the opportunity to benefit further from the services of these experienced teachers but also help to address the manpower needs in our school system.
Also, the Delta NUT Chairman, Comrade Titus Okotie, assured the state government of the union’s readiness to work closely with her in formulating policies that would transform the educational system.
Comrade Okotie appealed to the governor to address the challenges of continued stagnation of university graduate teachers in the State’s primary education system on salary grade level 14 and, the dearth of teachers in secondary schools as a result of migration to higher institutions.
In a goodwill message, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, called on the Federal and State governments to take care of teachers through the provision of higher salaries.
Delivering a lecture, the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Biri lauded the state government for creating three new universities saying it has provided Deltans the opportunity to acquire tertiary education that would further translate to growth.
He highlighted some challenges bedevilling education including poor infrastructure, unconducive work environment, remuneration, and stagnation and called on government at all levels to provide adequate funding for education and organize local and foreign training and conferences to enhance their knowledge base.
