Teachers the heart of educational development — Obi

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate, has stated that teachers are a critical and indispensable part of the nation’s educational development, and that they deserve commendation and encouragement for their role in driving national development and progress.Obi, who stated this in his Message for World Teachers Day 2022, praised all Nigerian teachers for their sacrifice in ensuring that Nigerian students at all levels of learning receive a good educational and moral formation. He stated that by playing an important role in moving the educational sector forward, they are contributing to national growth and development, of which education is a critical component.Obi encouraged teachers to strive every day to be good role models for their students, both in learning and in character. He also urged them to constantly improve their knowledge and skills in order to keep up with the dynamic and ever-changing global education system and to be on par with their peers around the world.The front-runner Presidential Candidate lamented that the government has continued to neglect education, resulting in obvious neglect of teachers’ welfare. He claimed that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUUongoing )’s strike exemplifies the neglect that education has endured as a result of the country’s poor governance.”It is inconceivable that, after eight months of ASUU strike action, the Federal Government has yet to find a lasting solution to the long-standing issue.” “How can we achieve a truly progressive nation while education and teacher welfare are constantly pushed to the sidelines?” Obi wondered.He urged the Federal Government to consider the future of young students, who are the primary victims of the ASUU strike, and to act quickly to resolve ASUU’s demands so that students can return to school.Obi recalled his time as Governor of Anambra State, and how the state excelled in educational development, consistently ranking first in WAEC and NECO during his tenure. He revealed that the State’s teachers played an important role in that glorious achievement.”Just as we managed, motivated, and encouraged teachers to give their all during my years as Governor of the State,” Obi concluded, “we will ensure that teachers in Nigeria are well trained and motivated to remain productive in their duties under my watch when elected President of the country.”