The world teacher’s day celebrated since 1994 commemorates the adoption of the 1966 International Labour Organization(ILO)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Education(UNESCO) recommendation concerning the status of teachers adopted in 1997. The theme for this year was Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future in light of the pandemic. A statement by UNESCO reads:
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly added to the challenges faced by already over-extended education systems throughout the world. It is no exaggeration to say that the world is at a crossroads and, now more than ever, we must work with teachers to protect the right to education and guide it into the unfolding landscape brought about by the pandemic.
The issue of teacher leadership in relation to crisis responses is not just timely, but critical in terms of the contributions teachers have made to provide remote learning, support vulnerable populations, re-open schools, and ensure that learning gaps have been mitigated.
The discussions surrounding WTD will also address the role of teachers in building resilience and shaping the future of education and the teaching profession.
The President, Muhammadu Buhari was represented by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu at an event to mark this occasion held in Abuja. There, he stated the approval of an undisclosed ‘special’ salary for teachers.
Only great teachers can produce excellent people and students that will make the future of our country great. A positive or negative influence of a teacher on any child will have an effect on that child. Therefore the federal government is ensuring quality education to access.
My administrative has resolved that quality education of teachers in terms of engagement of continued professional development has to be given priority.
President Buhari’s Education Promises
- Increase in the number of years of service from 35 to 40.
- A special pension scheme to enable the teaching profession to retain its experienced talents.
- Extension of Retirement age to 65 years.
- Special Salary Scale for Teachers in Basic and Secondary Schools
- Provisions for rural posting allowance, science teachers allowance and peculiar allowance.
- Building low-cost housing for teachers in rural areas.
- Sponsorship to at least one refresher training per annum.
- Expansion of the annual Presidential Teachers and Schools Awards.
- Reintroduction of bursary award to education students in Universities.
- Automatic employment to education students after graduation is now a government policy.
- Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND) will now fund teaching practice in Universities and Colleges of Education.