BY RITA OYIBOKA
IN commemoration of World Teachers’ Day, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), has reiterated its call for greater involvement of teachers in policy formulation and improved conditions in the teaching profession.
The event, which took place in Asaba, carried the theme “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education” and brought together government representatives, union leaders, education commissioners, and teachers from across the state.
During his speech at the occasion, The State NUT chairman, Comrade Titus Okotie, highlighted the significance of the global celebration, recognising the contributions of teachers worldwide. “World Teachers’ Day is a special day set aside to honour the invaluable work of teachers. Here in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Education has fully embraced this event, and we are glad that Delta State has also joined in recognising its teachers through active participation in today’s activities,” he said.
Okotie stressed that no meaningful reform in education could be achieved without the input of teachers, urging the government to actively engage teachers in the formulation of policies to reshape the educational landscape.
He highlighted pressing challenges in Delta’s education system, including the stagnation of university graduate teachers at salary grade level 14 in the primary education system, teacher shortages due to migration to higher institutions, and inadequate funding for instructional materials and school infrastructure. He also pointed out security concerns in schools, with a lack of perimeter fencing and security personnel contributing to an unsafe learning environment.
Addressing these issues, Okotie called on the Delta State government to invest more in education and ensure that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to quality education.
He commended the state government for its efforts, including the recruitment of new teachers and timely promotion of eligible staff, but emphasised that more work is needed to tackle the remaining challenges.
The event also featured remarks from the National NUT president, Comr. Audu Amba represented by Comrade Ikechukwu Orobo, commended governments at various levels for their support of the teaching profession, stressing the importance of giving teachers a greater voice in shaping the future of education.
