As the World Mark’s 2023 World Teachers’ Day, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu, has urged government at all levels to take steps in creating a more conducive environment for teachers to thrive and enhance their performance in moulding the society better developments.
Ojukwu made the call in a statement in Abuja to mark the World Teachers’ Day.
According to him, the lack of trained and qualified teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the nation was becoming worrisome.
He observed that the challenge to teachers leaving their profession to others, in search of better emoluments has paved way for quacks to operate.
“This day serves as a reminder of the importance of qualified teachers in achieving inclusive and equitable education that is sustainable..
“We celebrate this year’s World Teachers’ Day, we ponder on transforming education as well as reflect on the support teachers need to develop their potentials while advancing the teaching profession”, Ojukwu said.
He noted that World Teachers’ Day held annually on the 5th of October to celebrate teachers around the globe for their contributions in moulding of the society, commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 International Labour Organization (ILO) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s Recommendations concerning the status of teachers.
“He reiterated the need for achieving Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, which recognized the importance of qualified teachers in achieving inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
“The Human Rights Chief further stated that NHRC recognizes that the realization of the right to education is based on quality teachers with the capacity to deliver quality education, this also requires commitment from government, education sector, and other relevant stake holders.
“He used the opportunity of the Commemoration to commend the Taraba State Governor, Mr. Agbu Kefas for making the right to education a reality in the State, as he recently declared free education in Primary and Secondary Schools after slashing to 50% of the tuition fee of Taraba State University and that of the College of Nursing and Midwifery all in Jalingo, the State capital.
“Similarly, Dr. Ojukwu also commended Prof Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State for the payment of WAEC, NECO and NABTEB fees for students in the State, saying this will encourage more students to enrol for the exam thereby advancing the literacy level in the State,” the statement added.
According to the NHRC boss, This year’s theme: “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage”, underscores the need for putting incentives in place to attract more teachers to the profession.
