By Omoyeni Ojeifo
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising the teaching profession with a new national initiative aimed at mobilising at least 200,000 teachers across the country.
This was disclosed at the “Let There Be Teachers” Conference held on Friday in Abuja, where stakeholders gathered to discuss renewed efforts aimed at strengthening the education system and restoring dignity, recognition, and support for teachers across the country.
The Federal Ministry of Education, represented by Dr. Iyabode Ali, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at repositioning teachers at the centre of national development.
“This initiative is not just an event, but a strategic intervention that speaks directly to the truth that no education system can rise above the quality, motivation, and recognition of its teachers,” she said.
She pointed out that at a time when stakeholders are seeking solutions to declining educational outcomes, the programme provides a platform to rethink and strengthen the foundations of teaching and learning.
“At a time when we are collectively seeking solutions to declining educational outcomes, this initiative provides a platform to rethink and strengthen the foundations of teaching and learning.”
The Convener, Mr. Anifowose Oluwaseyi, described the initiative as the beginning of a national movement focused on education reform.
“This is not just an announcement; it is the beginning of a national movement that brings together stakeholders to align vision with action,” he said.
He disclosed that the initiative aims to mobilise at least 200,000 teachers nationwide, including 5,000 per state and 20,000 in the Federal Capital Territory, stressing collective responsibility in shaping the future of education.
He added that by October 2026, teachers across the country are expected to take a national professional pledge as part of renewed commitment to growth, accountability, and improved service delivery in the education sector.
Also speaking, the Project Director, Rhoda Odigboh, said the platform was created to address the long standing issue of teachers’ voices being unheard.
“Teachers’ voices are often not heard, which is why this platform has been created to amplify their concerns and advocate for improved welfare and recognition,” she said.
She added that the initiative would create an enabling environment where teachers can thrive and excel in their profession.
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), represented by Mr Johnson Da Silva, mentioned how teachers across the country continue to work under difficult conditions with little recognition or support.
The representative noted that in many parts of Nigeria, teachers continue to give their best in classrooms despite limited resources and inadequate motivation.
“Somewhere in Nigeria today, a teacher is standing in front of a class doing the best with what they have without adequate support, recognition, or encouragement,” he said.
He described the challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified teachers as a major concern for the education sector, stressing the need to prioritise teacher welfare.
“The challenge of recruiting and maintaining qualified teachers is a problem we must address. We must prioritise the welfare of teachers because they shape society,” he added.
Silva further reiterated that teachers do not only impact academic learning but also play a key role in shaping character and values in students.
“They don’t only teach in schools; they also shape character and instil values that build society,” he said.
The Executive Director of the initiative, Sola Adeola, thanked stakeholders, partners, and participants for their support and commitment to the mission.
She said the initiative marks the beginning of a bold national movement and called for continued collaboration to strengthen the teaching profession.
“We have been overlooked as teachers for far too long, and that must change. This marks the beginning of a bold national movement,” she said.
She added that the platform is designed to ensure teachers’ voices are amplified and their concerns properly addressed across all sectors.
“It is designed to amplify the voices of teachers across all sectors and ensure that their concerns are properly heard and addressed,” she said.
She described the initiative as a collective effort involving government, private sector, development partners, civil society, and teachers themselves.
To every teacher, she said, this is a defining moment to rise, lead, and transform the education sector.
Persecondnews reports that the initiative is expected to continue with further stakeholder engagements and policy discussions aimed at strengthening the teaching profession in Nigeria.
Author
Leave a comment