The Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori on Saturday, challenged teachers to continuously upgrade their knowledge and teaching skills.
He gave the charge on Saturday while speaking at this year’s celebration of Teachers’ Day held in Asaba.
The governor was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.
“Teachers and educationists must continuously upgrade their knowledge and teaching skills and adapt to changing situations very quickly,” the governor said, asserting, “the role of the teacher in nation building cannot be over emphasised,; a nation is built by its citizens; citizens are taught, trained and moulded by teachers.
“It is the teacher’s responsibility to impart knowledge, instill the right values and give the pupils and students the right skill sets to enable them take part in and contribute to their communities and the larger society.”
He continued, “since 1994 when the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) set aside October 5 as World Teachers’ Day, the yearly event offers government, parents and stakeholders in the education sector the opportunity to acknowledge, celebrate, and thank our teachers for the great work they are doing.
“Every year, the World Teachers’ Day offers us the opportunity to reflect on the noble profession that teaching is, and it is invaluable role in nation building.
“Growing up, apart from our parents, the next most influential person in any person’s life is a teacher, a good teacher has the power to impact us for good.
“In the development of a country, great attention has to be paid to education and learning, statistically, it is believed that human resources constitute 65 per cent of national development with infrastructure and natural resources contributing 10 percent and 25 percent respectively.
“Teachers are critical key factor in this process because they are largely responsible for the development of human resources.
“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.”
Earlier in an address, the National President of Nigeria Union of Teachers, 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 used the occasion to call on State governors to implement the new retirement age for teachers.
Also, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Delta State Wing, Comrade Titus Okotie, assured the state government of the union’s readiness at all time to work closely with her in formulating policies that would transform the educational system.
Comrade Okotie, while commending the state government for the giant strides made so far in the education sector as evident in the recruitment of teachers in the primary school system, release of promotion to eligible teachers as at when due, among others.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Union, Delta State, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, called on the Federal and State government to take care of teachers through the provision of higher salary.
Delivering a lecture, the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Biri lauded the state government for creating three new universities, saying that it has provided Deltans the opportunity to acquire tertiary education that would further translate to growth.
The 2024 World Teachers Day celebration in Asaba featured cultural dance as well as match pass by teachers from the 25 local government areas of Delta State.
