President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that teachers receive the recognition and rewards they deserve.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 2023 World Teachers’ Day commemoration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, acknowledged the challenges facing Nigerian teachers, including overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and limited opportunities for professional development, which he attributed to the prolonged neglect of the teaching profession.
In his keynote address titled “Teacher Appreciation: Nurturing Minds, Changing Lives,” Vice President Shettima emphasized the critical role of education in Nigeria’s future and the need to empower teachers to provide quality education.
He stated that investment in education is essential for building a nation capable of fostering international cooperation, addressing global challenges, and achieving sustainable development.
President Tinubu expressed the nation’s gratitude to Nigerian teachers and assured them that their profession is a cornerstone of the nation’s vision and development agenda.
He announced a policy initiative, the Harmonized Retirement Age of Teachers in Nigeria Act 2022, which allows dedicated teachers to serve for up to 40 years or until reaching the age of 65, with a focus on equipping educators with contemporary teaching skills, including proficiency in information technology.
The President highlighted the evolving role of teachers, who are now expected to be technologically adept, adaptable, and innovative in preparing students for an evolving job market.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing educational infrastructure and harnessing the potential of new learning technologies, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual classrooms, to revolutionize the education sector.
President Tinubu’s remarks underscore the importance of valuing and investing in teachers to ensure the quality of education and the nation’s development.