Delta urges teachers to improve on status

• Inducts 39 principals, effects promotion to Level 17
Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has urged teachers to improve on their status and be good role models for better pupils and students.Okowa, represented by his deputy, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, at the celebration of the World Teachers’ Day, said that despite the economic recession, his administration was committed to their welfare.

His words: “Our financial status has still not improved. When improved, we will do our best to enhance the teachers. Teachers should hold on to their professional calling and be a good role models.”

He emphasised the need for professionalism as the only way to showcase the teaching profession as noble.

The state Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Reginald Bayoko, enjoined the teachers to always conduct themselves as professionals and avoid lateness and absenteeism that will jeopardise their noble profession.

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Michael Alogba Olukoya, said: “Today, 50 years after the adoption of the ILO/UNESCO recommendations by the 1966 conference, which charged nations to ensure that teachers were accorded the status commensurate with the pivotal role they play in the advancement and delivery of education, we are faced with the stark reality that Nigerian teachers are still denied their rightful status and pride of place in society.”

He, therefore, called on state governments to desist from misplaced plans and measures taken to retrench teachers and reduce their emoluments with a view to cutting cost, saying this would greatly jeopardise the progress of public education.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 39 school principals across the state were inducted and their promotion effected from Level 16 to 17.Speaking with journalists yesterday, Executive Chairman, State Post-Primary Education Board (PPEB), Mr. Patrick Akporuno, said though the present economic situation portends difficult times, there was need for the promoted principals to uphold their responsibilities and intellectual growth and development of students.

He urged the principals not allow the prevailing economic situation to inhibit the discharge of their official responsibilities. Akporuno said that the elevation of the 39 principals was in recognition of their passionate commitment and dedication to their duties. He added adding that the inducted principals should not betray the confidence reposed in them by the state government.