FG Applauds Teachers On Selflessness, Commitment

The Federal Government on Wednesday commended teachers for their selflessness and commitment and for not embarking on strike despite what it tagged “unfavourable and intolerable policies."

Minister of Education Adamu Adamu made this known during the 2022 World Teachers Day celebration in Abuja.

Speaking during the ceremony, Adamu noted that teachers embraced the principle of constructive engagement which has helped to keep students in schools amidst relegation of welfare.

“It is universally accepted that the teaching profession is a noble one.

"Regrettably, over time, the place of teachers in our society has come to be less appreciated, their roles relegated and their welfare ignored.

"Our teachers, especially at the basic and secondary levels have been at the receiving end of some of the most unfavourable and sometimes intolerable policies, practices and experiences.

“Despite this paradox, I note with an enormous debt of gratitude that the Nigerian Union of Teachers, the umbrella association of all teachers, never called out their members on strike or stopped catering to the educational needs of our children throughout my tenure as Minister of Education.

"Rather, they chose a policy of constructive engagement with all levels of governments and the larger society to proffer solutions.

"They even instituted awards for state and non-state actors who demonstrate commitment to the welfare of teachers and the promotion of educational development generally.

“We have restored the practice of attracting and retaining the best brains in the teaching profession to reduce current shortfalls in staff-students ratios in our universities through the reintroduction of graduate assistantship with enhanced incentives," the minister expressed.