FROM MIJINYAWA BABA- UTHMAN,MINNA.
The Nigeria Union Teachers (NUT), in Niger State has noted with concern that the primary school teachers on grade levels 15 and above are yet to enjoy the implementation of domestic servant allowance which is already been enjoyed by their Colleagues in the secondary school section since 2018.
The Niger state Chairman of NUT in the state, Comrade Adamu Mohammed Akayago stated this at the 2024 World Teachers Day celebration which took at Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre In Minna at the weekend.
He described as unfortunate,that teachers at the primary schools were neglected without being considered for the implementation calling for the urgent implementation of the allowance to this category of teachers.
Teachers, according to the Chairman play a pivotal role in shaping the future by nurturing students, pupils and driving educational progress.
"However,to fully harness teacher's potential it is imperative that their voices are heard and valued in the decision-making processes that affect their Profession" he noted
The 2024 World Teachers Day, with the the Theme:"Valuing Teachers Voices, Towards a new social contract for education" underscores the urgency of calling for and attending to teachers' voices to address their challenges, but most importantly, to acknowledge and benefit from the expert knowledge and input that they bring to education.
He observed that the theme highlights the need to addressing the systematic challenges teacher face and to establish a more inclusive dialogue about their role in education development.
In this light, he called on the Niger government to institutionalize the input and contributions of teachers at both Primary and Secondary Schools in the state by awarding deserving teachers and school managers who proved to be hardworking,commited and resourceful in their professional fields.
The gesture, he noted will go a long way to restore the lost glory,respect, dignity and reputation of the teaching profession and teachers in particular.
Comrade Ayakago,while appreciating governor Umar Mohammed Bago,for his dedicated service to Niger state and his revolutionary disposition in transforming education sector in Niger state for better, he asserted that the recent distribution of kitchen utensils and classroom furniture to boarding schools in the state is a testimony his unwavering commitment to the uplifting standard of education in the state.
Speaking earlier,the Commissioner for education in Niger State,Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed described teachers as the architects of the future, stating that beyond imparting knowledge, " you shape character, instill values, and inspire generations"
She posited that each day,from bustling urban classrooms to serene rural settings,teachers lay the foundation for lifelong learning adding " your unwavering dedication, patience,and commitment transform society,one student at a time"
In his remarks,the administrative secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Niger state who is also the special Adviser to the governor on Labour Matters in the state Comrade Labaran Garba commended for his unwavering transfomational stride to the educational institutions in the state.
He called on teachers in the state to always be committed to their duty by completing the kind gestures of the governor Umar Mohammed Bago efforts in bettering their Welfares assuring that better days are coming for teachers in Niger State.
He applauded the resilience and their Unflinching commitment in impacting knowledge on their pupils and students urging them not to relent.
