As Ondo State joins the rest of the world to mark World Teachers’ Day, stakeholders have called for improved welfare, better remuneration and enhanced working conditions for teachers.
They also advocated greater recognition for the teaching profession amid concerns over heavy workloads, inadequate teaching resources and declining interest in the profession.
Orange FM’s Joshua Adedeji reports that the theme of this year’s celebration is “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status, and Shaping Our Futures.”
World Teachers’ Day is observed every October 5 to recognise the contributions of teachers and draw attention to the conditions required for them to effectively perform their duties.
The day also commemorates the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
Speaking on the occasion, the Principal of Corporate Schools, Pastor Sam Amu, called for improved salaries, insurance coverage for teachers working in difficult locations and better teaching materials.
A teacher, Ajayi Joshua, said teachers still do not enjoy the level of recognition and welfare accorded to some other professions, urging government to introduce measures that would make teaching more attractive to young professionals.
Also speaking, a tutorial centre facilitator, Solomon Olaleye, stressed the need for regular training, adequate teaching resources and greater recognition of teachers’ professional value.
An educationist, Boluwatife Adeshina, identified low pay, heavy workloads and delayed salaries as some of the challenges confronting teachers.
She noted that the situation is pushing some educators away from traditional classrooms into online teaching.
Adeshina urged teachers to strengthen their communication and teaching skills, embrace modern teaching methods and take advantage of digital platforms and other opportunities.
The stakeholders called for sustained investment in teachers and schools, stressing that improved welfare and working conditions are essential to building an effective education system.
They also urged teachers to remain committed to their responsibilities and continually develop their skills as they contribute to shaping the future of the next generation.
