By Emmanuel Awari – Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has expressed his commitment to supporting the education sector and improving the welfare of teachers in the state.
The governor, represented by the Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Comrade Danjuma Baba Kunini, stated this during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Jalingo.
He said the Kefas administration had done a lot to improve the education sector and solicited the support of teachers in the state for the governor’s second-term bid in the 2027 elections.
Dr Kefas reassured teachers and parents of his continued efforts to make learning more conducive across the state.
He noted that his administration’s free education programme was anchored on the promotion of teacher training and retraining, adding that a major component of the programme was to ensure that the learning environment and teachers remained central to its implementation.
“Teachers remain the major partners in the quest to provide free and qualitative education,” he said.
According to him, the administration plans to construct better school structures in addition to the ongoing renovation works, while the provision of modern learning tools, teaching aids, school uniforms, bags, textbooks and other equipment would continue to be major features of the free education programme.
Dr Kefas revealed that 2027 would witness a series of budgetary allocations aimed at addressing the housing and health concerns of teachers.
He further noted that, in addition to welfare packages focusing on proper remuneration, payment of outstanding benefits and other financial assistance, the administration would ensure that “the teacher’s reward is both on earth and in heaven.”
The governor used the occasion to commend teachers for their labour and resilience, noting that they remained primary moulders of opinion and character in children.
He also lauded the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) for the central role it had played in supporting the free education programme.
Governor Kefas reassured teachers of his commitment to their advancement and urged them to continue carrying out their duties without fear, assuring them that his administration was firmly on their side.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Taraba State Wing, Nathan Solomon, said the theme of the celebration reminded teachers that they were at the heart of every successful education system.
“For generations, teachers have not only imparted knowledge but have also nurtured character, inspired dreams, shaped values, and prepared young people to become responsible and productive citizens,” he said.
He disclosed that the quality of education depended greatly on the welfare, motivation and working conditions of teachers, calling for continued investment in education, regular training and professional development, adequate teaching and learning facilities, timely payment of salaries and allowances, and improved welfare packages for teachers.
“As the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Taraba State Wing, we reaffirm our commitment to working constructively with the government and other stakeholders to promote quality education, protect the dignity of teachers, and advance the professional status of the teaching profession,” he said.
Solomon appreciated Governor Kefas for the payment of outstanding arrears owed to teachers, saying the gesture had brought considerable relief to members of the union and demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing issues affecting their welfare.
According to him, Governor Kefas had demonstrated a teacher-friendly disposition, particularly through his emphasis on education as one of the priorities of his administration.
He also appreciated the government for the successful conduct of the National Conference of Delegates and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the education sector.
“However, while appreciating these efforts, we respectfully urge the government to continue to give attention to the outstanding concerns of teachers,” he said.
The NUT chairman used the forum to appeal for the implementation of promotions and annual increments as and when due.
“We also call on the government to consider the uplifting of deserving teachers to Grade Level 17, in line with the need to recognise excellence, experience, and professionalism within the teaching service,” he said.
Addressing teachers, Solomon said, “Your work matters. Your sacrifices are appreciated. Your contribution to the future of our children and the development of our nation cannot be overstated.”
He pointed out that teaching was more than a profession, describing it as a noble calling and a service to humanity.
He urged teachers to continue to stand together, support one another, uphold the dignity of the profession and remain committed to providing children with quality education.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education, Taraba State, Dr Augustina Godwin, represented by the Secretary of the ministry, Mr Rabi Sunday, congratulated teachers and education stakeholders across the state on the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.
She lauded the NUT under the leadership of Nathan Solomon and commended teachers in Taraba State for their dedication, resilience and commitment to nurturing students and contributing to human capital development.
She noted that teachers remained central to the success of the state’s education reforms, stressing that the commitment of Governor Kefas’ administration to transforming the education sector required the collective efforts of teachers and other stakeholders.
According to her, the government recognised the sacrifices teachers make daily, particularly in challenging circumstances, and remained committed to creating an enabling environment where they could effectively discharge their responsibilities.
She encouraged teachers to continue to uphold professionalism, discipline and dedication, assuring them that their contributions to the educational advancement of Taraba State remained highly valued.
She further called for stronger collaboration among the government, teachers, parents and communities to improve learning outcomes and ensure that every child in the state had access to quality education.
The World Teachers’ Day celebration provided an opportunity to appreciate teachers for their service while also reflecting on the need for continuous professional development, improved working conditions and greater support for the teaching profession.
The celebration brought together teachers, education administrators, government officials, representatives of professional bodies and other stakeholders to honour the contributions of teachers to the development of education and society.
The event ended with goodwill messages, paper presentations and renewed calls for collective action towards building a stronger and more responsive education system in Taraba State.
The theme of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration was: “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.”