The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has observed that teachers in public and private schools are catalysts in the realization of the vision for achieving sustainable educational growth through effective teaching and learning.
He made the observation in his address at the Year 2017 International Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos on Thursday.
Governor Ambode noted that achieving sustainable educational growth to meet the needs of an emerging megacity would require effective and efficient teaching staff that are passionate and committed to their job, adding that the role of teachers as nation builders, life builders and agents of change cannot be overemphasized.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, he said teachers anywhere in the world facilitate meaningful, functional, quality and effective education that would lay a foundation for other developments.
The Governor enthused that his administration embarked on reforms in the education sector to complement the important and selfless contributions of teachers to the society.
In his words, “Our Administration has continued to consolidate on the many reforms initiated to adequately empower our teachers and appropriately reward them; today, teachers’ careers are no longer terminating as principals but many are reaching the pinnacle of their careers as Tutors General/ Permanent Secretary.”
He appreciated teachers for their passion, cooperation and dedication and promised that his administration would continue to motivate and empower them through training and other capacity building programmes.
While noting that the Theme for the Year 2017 celebration: “Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers”, is apt and instructive, Ambode informed that it brought to the fore the significant contributions that teachers made to the society and the need to appropriately compensate and bring out the best in them.
According to him, “Empowering our teachers, therefore, is akin to providing the best environment, quality instructional materials, training, capacity building from time to time, regular incentives, awards of excellence and much more to motivate them to give us their optimal best.”
Ambode disclosed that the government had approved the promotion of Primary School teachers to Grade level 17 to place them at par with their counterparts in the civil service.
He added that the State government had embarked on the massive construction of new classroom buildings and the rehabilitation of existing ones while provision has been made for facilities such as ICT centres, laboratories, digital libraries just to ensure a more conducive environment for learning.
In her goodwill message, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District urged government at all levels to prioritise policies that could improve the education sector and called on teachers to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation by moulding and nurturing the country's future leaders.
Mr. Michael Olukoya, National President, NUT urged governments and employers of teachers to ensure that teachers are empowered, honoured, respected and valued.He, however, pledged that Nigerian teachers would continue to contribute their quota to the progress of the country.
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