Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Schools in Taraba State has continued to witness large enrollment of Students and Pupils as a result of the free education policy of Governor Agbu Kefas.
The Chairman Nigeria Union of Teachers NUT, Taraba State Wing, Comrade Nathan Solomon stated this in his speech during the World Teachers Day celebration held at the NUT Hall, Jalingo.
“Today, we gather not just to celebrate our profession, but also to reflect on our role as the bedrock of the society, shaping future generations and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
“As the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Taraba State Wing, i am proud to highlight the tireless efforts of our Union in promoting teachers welfare and the protection of their rights.
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“However, the Union wish to plead with the state Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas to pay the Four months outstanding salaries inherited from the immediate past administration of Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku, so as to encourage Teachers to put in their best despite the challenges faced,” said Kefas.
According to him, for the past years, the Union has continued to engage with the State Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that teachers are not just respected but are provided with the tools and environment they need to succeed in their noble tasks.
“We have worked hand-in-hand with the government to ensure the payment
of salaries, the provision of necessary teaching materials, and the improvement of working conditions.
“The NUT remains resolute in advocating for the rights of teachers, including fair wages, professional development opportunities, and a safe working environment.
“We understand that when teachers thrive, students thrive, and society benefits immensely.
He commended the efforts of the Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, in advancing education in
in the state.
“His administration’s free education policy at the basic level of education has opened doors of opportunity for thousands of children who might
have otherwise been denied the chance to learn and grow.
“This bold initiative is already showing positive results in increasing school enrollment and reducing the financial burden on parents.
“In addition to this, the governor’s decision to reduce tuition fees by 50%
a significantly eased the financial pressures faced by families at higher levels of education.
“This gesture is not justa relief to parents but a clear indication of the government’s commitment to making education accessible to all, irrespective of social or economic status.”
On school supervision, he said, “To ensure the smooth and effective implementation of teaching and learning across Taraba State Schools, the NUT has collaborated closely with key educational bodies such as the Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the State Ministry of Education, Post Primary Schools Management Board with the Commissioner of Education leading the team.
“Through these
partnerships, we have initiated regular supervision of schools to identify
challenges, improve infrastructure, and provide the necessary support to
teachers,” he said.
He disclosed that the joint supervision efforts have significantly improved the quality of education in the state by addressing gaps in teaching and ensuring that schools maintain the highest standards.
“We believe that by creating a conducive learning environment, we are empowering teachers to deliver their best and
students to excel.
“As we move forward, I urge all teachers to continue to demonstrate their
dedication and professionalism.
“Let us embrace the challenges of our time with
renewed commitment, knowing that we are the custodians of knowledge and the architects of the future.
“Together with the support of our union, the state
government, and other stakeholders, we will continue to make significant strides
in improving the quality of education in Taraba State.
“On this World Teachers’ Day, let us celebrate not just our achievements but
also our unwavering determination to provide the best for our students and the society at large,” he said.
In his paper presentation, the Guest Speaker, Dr. A. A. Mohammad of the Taraba State University, pointed out that Teachers voices are consequential to the success of any new social contract on Education they ought to be listen to, but above all they must have what ought to be listen to because they are the voices of knowledge and wisdom.
“In education, Teacher voice refers to the values, opinions, beliefs, perspective, expertise and cultural backgrounds of Teachers working in a school which extends to Teacher Unions, Professional Organizations, amongst other entities that advocate for Teachers,” he said.
He pointed out that the Theme on this year’s World Teachers Day underscores the urgency of engaging with teachers to address challenges they face.
“Most importantly, to acknowledge and benefit from the expert knowledge and input they bring to education.
He disclosed that there is a shortage of 44 million teachers globally, a situation he described as crisis and putting the right to educate at risk.
According to him, the concept of Teacher voice in education has grown increasingly popular in recent decades.
“Generally speaking, teacher voice can be seen as an alternative to more hierarchical form of decisions with little or no input from the facility.
He suggested ways of rising teachers voice to include, writing academic papers, organise seminars, symposiums, workshops, creating social network platforms for the presentation of research papers on the new perspective of education resonate with current realities.
“Engage educational policy makers, curriculum designers, administrators and government to ensure the implementation of your research findings to focus on, Re-Orientating Education purpose, Regulating diverse Education actors, Reconceptualizing Educational leadership and participation, Steering evolving knowledge commons and Transforming the future.
“A growing number of perspective and tools can help education stakeholders develop foresight literacy to anticipate the impact of emerging trends and steer their impacts on education – he said.
In their goodwill messages, the President NUT, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, said,
“Today marks yet another remarkable day in the history of the teaching profession
as the international community celebrates teachers across the globe.
As we already know, 5th October was set aside by the United Nations Educational, ScientifiC and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1994 to recognize, honour and appreciate the pivotal role teachers play in advancing education and transforming humanity and Society.
“Nigeria joined the global celebration of World Teachers’ Day in 1996, and
We are grateful to God for the opportunity to mark this 28” edition of the annual
celebration.
He thanked State Governors who keep faith with this historic event by supporting and participating in the celebration, as well as honouring outstanding teachers with Awards and Prizes in their respective states.
He also appreciated Commissioners of Education, other government functionaries and stakeholders who contribute to the successful observance of this World Teachers’
Day.
“The year’s celebration with the theme: “Valuing Teacher voices: Towards a
new social contract for Education” highlights the important role teachers play in shaping the future of education and society, and the need to value their knowledge, voice and participation in decision-making in education.
According to him, Education around the globe is in crisis; the rapidly changing world is faced with numerous emerging challenges such as climate change, technological expansion and digital divide, demographic changes, armed conflicts, natural disasters, pandemics and other emergencies.
“These developments have impacted the education landscape, leading to inequalities and crises of equity and relevance.
“This situation underscores the need for a social contract which must be built on principles that assure the right to quality education throughout life, and strengthen education as a public endeavor and a public good
(UNESCO, 2021).
The NUT President disclosed that the new challenges and new trends in education have placed a greater burden
teachers and expanded their roles.
“Essentially, teachers are required to build their capacities to help learners acquire new knowledge, skills, values and competencies need to shape their lives, and to be relevant and useful players in today’s knowledge Society.
“This year’s World Teachers’ Day. therefore systematic challenges faced by teachers, to strengthen social dialogue, and to Incorporate teachers’ perspectives into educational policy and decision-making, emphasized the need to address proces.
“Teachers, indeed. need a greater voice in decision-making; they need
Supportive environments and better Working conditions to ensure effective education delivery, and to meet the needs of society and the demands of the 21 century.
He disclosed that the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) recently launched the Go Public! Fund Education Campaign, a global call spearheaded by Education International (EI) for adequate funding of education and the teaching profession.
“The launch became necessary considering the fact that p poor funding and inadequate investment in education constitute a major barrier to effective implementation of educational policies and programmes in Nigeria.
“This year’s World Teachers’ Day provides us another opportunity to launch the Go Public! Fund Education campaign at the state level with a view to amplifying and deepening our call on all tiers of government to invest adequately in education and the teaching profession to ensure provision of quality public education for all.
“It would be recalled that the age-long demand of the NUT for upward review of
teachers’ retirement age was addressed when Former President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law the Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers Bill which provides for retirement of teachers on attainment of 65 years of age or 40 years of service.
“We are pleased to note that 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have so far implemented the new retirement age for their teachers.
“I wish to use this
opportunity to call on the remaining 13 States to implement the new retirement age for their teachers without further delay, as this will not only provide the school system the opportunity to benefit further from the services of these experienced teachers but will also help to address the manpower needs in our school system.
He commended teachers for their courage, sacrifice, perseverance, resilience and commitment to their well-chosen career, even in the face of daunting challenges and odds against them in their day to day works.
“I Congratulate you on your well-deserved recognition and celebration this day, and charge you to keep the flag flying as the torch-bearers, pathfinders, character moulders, change agents and nation builders,” he said.
Speaking, the Commissioner Ministry of Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, commended teachers for their role in educating the leaders of tomorrow.
She said that the present administration under the Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas is passionate about education, thereby declaring Free Education in the state.
On her part, the Acting Executive Secretary, Post Primary School Management Board, Mrs. Elsie Obadiah Yaruta, described Taraba teachers as the best. She used the forum to appreciate the NUT Chairman for uniting teachers as one family.