The Local Education Authority (LEA) Secretary in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Christopher Ekamagwule, has reiterated the vital role teachers play in society, describing them as the true learned profession and the foundation of national development.
Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) conference in Ika North East, held at Owa Model Secondary School, Boji-Boji Owa, Ekamagwule emphasized that teaching is at the heart of his constituency. He described teachers as highly educated professionals, often surpassing those who commonly claim scholarly titles.
“My passion for teaching goes beyond duty. I am a teacher and will always remain one. Even if there were reincarnation, I would come back as a teacher,” he stated.
Highlighting the values and responsibilities of the profession, Ekamagwule questioned the true meaning of being a teacher, defining it as “an individual who imparts knowledge, skills, and competencies to students.” He stressed that not everyone who carries the title practices it sincerely.
He challenged educators to engage in continuous self-assessment, adding, “A teacher who does not prepare lesson notes, or relies on notes written months or years ago, is not truly a teacher.” He stressed that genuine teachers must be proactive and committed to the intellectual development of their students.
“Teachers are the bedrock of the nation. At every level primary, secondary, or tertiary teachers bear a heavy responsibility. Poor teaching produces poor leaders,” he warned. He noted that the quality of professionals in every sector reflects the quality of their teachers. “If you see a bad doctor, he was taught by a bad teacher. A bad politician? Also taught by a bad teacher. Bad teachers contribute to society’s problems,” he added.
Despite these challenges, Ekamagwule affirmed his belief in teachers’ power to transform society, starting from the classroom. “Teachers are agents of change. They can transform society from the classroom. They have the capacity to shape the future of the nation,” he said, leaving the audience with a thought-provoking message.
He also expressed pride in being an educator and praised the strong collaboration between the LEA and the NUT in Ika North East. “Since assuming office, we have worked together in synergy. As a teacher myself, I have always partnered closely with the NUT,” he said.
