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Teachers’ Professional Code Of Conduct

Published

6 years ago

October 25, 2019

After the publication of a previous article, Teachers’ Professional Exams (The Tide newspaper, Friday, October 18, 2019), a reader demanded to know if there is a professional code of practice for Nigerian teachers.
Although answers and directions were given to the inquirer, it is necessary to make the information available to the reading public. It is also necessary to say that Nigeria is not a reading society, culture of reading, including reading of newspapers.
Yes, a code of professional ethics exists for educators, including journalists too. For the professional teacher, better known as the educator, the code is drived from what is commonly known as the Learner-Centred doctrine, of which there are two parts, namely: commitment to the learner and commitment to the profession.
The educator’s roles include helping the learner to realise his potentials to an optional level, as a worthy and effective member of society.
This would include stimulating the culture of inquiry, the pursuit of knowledge not for the sake of money, but for a thoughtful formulation of worthy goals in life. The fulfilment of these noble roles and obligations to the learner demands the followings from the educator:
Giving the learner a free hand and independent action in the pursuit of knowledge; giving the learner access to various points of views and not deliberately suppressing or distorting the subject matter relevant to the learner’s progress; making all reasonable efforts to protect the learner from conditions harmful to learning or to health and safety, not intentionally exposing the learner to embarrassment or disparagement; avoidance of discrimination towards the learner based on race, colour, creed, sex, national origin, marital status, political or religious beliefs, social or cultural backgrounds or sexual orientations.
These would include not unfairly excluding any learner from participating in any program or deny benefits to any learner, by granting special advantage to any while denying same to another. Non-use of professional relationships with learners for private gains and non-disclosure of information obtained in the course of professional services, unless such disclosure serves compelling professional purposes or is required by law.
With regards to commitment to the profession, the educator is to uphold the ideal of public trust and responsibility, demanding the highest professional service. The quality of services of the profession which directly influences the learner, demands that the educator strives to raise the standard of education as well as provide a healthy climate for effective learning.
Professional conduct and judgment should be such that would attract people worthy of trust into the career of teaching.
In fulfilment of such obligations, the educator should not make false statements about his qualifications or competence in his application for a teaching job. Neither should he assist entry into the profession of a person known to be unqualified in respect of character, education or other attributes.
The professional educator should not disclose information about colleagues or students obtained in the course of professional services, unless such disclosure serves compelling professional purposes, or is required by law.
Vital in the professional code of conduct for the teacher is the requirement of not knowingly making any false or malicious statement about colleagues. Thus, the principle of collegiality does stipulate internal discipline among a work force, such that efficient team work can be enhanced.
Efficiency in teaching as a profession places emphasis on co-operation, motivation and commitment to service.
However, there has been a lingering controversy whether or not teaching is a career or a profession.
Establishment of Teachers Registration Council has the purpose of professionalising the career of teaching, demanding that teachers be registered. Apart from the initiative by the Federal Government of subjecting teachers to a professional examination, there is also a nationwide move that all those engaged in teaching, up to university level, should have some professional training in education.
What will follow the registration of professional teachers would be the licensing of professional educators.
Like in journalism, there are freelance practitioners in teaching jobs whose names are not in the Registers of the respective Councils. There are old, recognised and closed professions such as Law, Medicine, etc.
A layman would not perform surgery or defend an accused person in court, but anybody can write and teach without anyone asking for your licence to do so. Quite soon, there would be protective guilds and litigations on who does what and why. So far, charlatans can do a number of things and get away with their claims, but that may stop soon.
This is moreso because political gamblers, jobbers and gangsterists have done this country grievous and incalculable harms. Education is a noble profession which includes those who write, speak, etc, for the purpose of the masses. Politics, as an instrument of large-scale piloting of human affairs, cannot be a game of groups of gangsters who use money, shenanigans and brute force to control the fate of a nation.
A rebuilding and cleansing process which is an on-going global movement would root out charlatans, hustlers, gamblers and gangsters in every field of human endeavours. We shall be free from those who hold humanity hostage by force.

Bright Amirize

Featured

Fubara Pledges Cleaner Gateway To PH City …Visits New Dumpsite At Igwuruta

Published

1 day ago

October 24, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.

The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.

Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.

“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.

“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.

So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.

Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.

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Fubara Tasks New SSG On Honour, Service, Protection Of Rivers Interest

Published

1 week ago

October 17, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.

Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.

Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.

“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”

Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.

He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.

“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.

The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.

He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.

“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.

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Nigeria’s First Lady Flags Off Renewed Hope Health Initiative In Rivers …Targets Measles, Rubella, HPV Vaccination For Children, Women

Published

1 week ago

October 17, 2025

The Tide

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her commitment to expanding vaccine coverage nationwide, declaring that the ongoing Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign in Rivers State will surpass all previous records in scope and success.

Speaking through the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, Senator Tinubu made this statement during the flag-off ceremony of the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Vaccine Sensitisation Campaign, organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday.

The campaign, implemented by the RHI in collaboration with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, C-WINS, and international partners including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and Vaccine Alliance, aims to protect millions of children and women from preventable diseases.

“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the measles vaccine coverage achieved through this campaign exceeds that of the past,” Senator Tinubu affirmed. “Through technical and financial support, this partnership will ensure that by February, 2026, well-trained staff are deployed across communities to vaccinate all eligible children.”

Rivers State is among the Fourth Stream of Phase One states participating in Africa’s largest-ever health initiative, targeting over 106 million Nigerian children for vaccination against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV. The local rollout is expected to commence in February, 2026, reaching children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 23 local government areas.

Senator Tinubu highlighted the risks of the targeted diseases, describing Measles and Rubella as “highly contagious and potentially deadly,” noting that Rubella can cause severe complications for unborn babies, if contracted by pregnant women.

“The best way to prevent both diseases remains vaccination,” she emphasised.

Narrowing down to efforts by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, led by Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, she noted how instrumental it has been in ensuring comprehensive outreach through an inter-sectoral approach involving education, women affairs, information ministries, traditional and religious leaders, and the security sector.

Senator Tinubu urged parents and caregivers to cooperate fully with health workers.

“The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free in all our health centres. Please, ensure your children are vaccinated at the right time to protect them from these deadly infections.

“Let us all play our part in spreading awareness. Together, we can safeguard the health and future of our children,” she said, before formally declaring the sensitisation programme open.

In her goodwill message, Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its sustained impact in Rivers State, noting that the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Sensitisation Programme marks “a significant step in promoting public health awareness, particularly among women and children.”

She highlighted the particular benefit to the girl-child through HPV vaccination, calling it “an investment in their future health and empowerment.”

The Rivers State Coordinator of WHO, Prof. Giwa Abdulganiyu, praised the collaboration between RHI and the State Government, describing the campaign as “a worthy step in the right direction,” and reaffirmed WHO’s continued partnership in achieving health for all.

Earlier, the RHI Rivers State Coordinator, Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, welcomed guests, and reaffirmed the initiative’s goal of reducing the incidence of Measles and Rubella in the state.

“These diseases have the potential to cause emergencies and great distress in families. Today’s flag-off represents our collective determination to raise awareness and prevent such tragedies,” she added.