Former vice presidential candidate Peter Obi has described teachers’ roles and contributions to the education system both in Nigeria and beyond as invaluable.
Mr Obi, while commemorating the International Teachers Day 2020, with the theme ‘Teachers Leading in Crisis, reimagining the future’, said the teaching profession has remained a noble one, through which men and women are moulded into responsible citizens contributing to nation building.
“We cannot overemphasise the role of teachers in nation building through their contributions to education, which has remained a very powerful tool in the war against poverty. It is my desire today to celebrate them and their noble profession,” he said.
Obi lamented the lack of attention to the education sector which he said has continued to result in poor teachers’ welfare in the country.
Recounting his experiences while in school, Obi said he remembered how teachers used to be more influential and well respected in the society which made the profession an admiration of many, in apparent contrast to what is obtainable today.
“I remember how better off and well taken care of my teachers were back in the days, which is in sharp contrast to what we see today. As an undergraduate back then in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, I placed an order for a vehicle, but it will surprise you to know that my order was delayed because the auto dealer wanted to fulfill the vehicle orders of teachers first.
“Today, I wonder how many teachers can still afford to buy cars. Our education sector needs urgent attention and teachers welfare need to be priotised due to the role they play,” Obi explained.
He encouraged the teachers across the nation to remain dedicated in their duties and continue to raise educated citizens. To the youth, Obi urged them to take on the noble teaching profession and contribute to nation building.
The International Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5 every year.
