Teachers mark day, seek better welfare

THE early morning downpour could not stop teachers in Lagos State from gathering to celebrate their day. Gathered under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools of Nigeria (ASUSS), and Basic Education Staff Union of Nigeria (BESUN), some of the elegantly garbed teachers called on governments at all levels to take their welfare seriously, as there exists a nexus between encouragement and improved productivity.

Speaking at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Mess, Lagos, venue of the event,
helmsman of ASUSS, Lagos State chapter, Comrade Kazeem Labaika, described the WTD celebration as a significant event to examine roles expected of teachers in the education agenda of the Mohammadu Buhari-led government.

Labaika described the theme of this year’s celebration, which is, “Empowering Teachers, Building Sustainable Societies,” as apt considering the projected shortage of teachers. According to UNESCO, the world is in shortfall of teachers to the tune of 12.6 million.

The Lagos chapter boss, who informed that of this figure, the state had a deficit of about 11, 300 teachers in the 1,007 primary schools, however, commended the state governor,

Akinwunmi Ambode, over the recent approval he gave for the employment of 1, 300 teachers.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of gifts and cash awards to the tune of N10 million to 60 retired teachers. Each of the retirees received cheques of N100,000, as token. They were also decorated as senior citizens of Nigeria.