Education

The Teacher We Need

Published

1 year ago

October 9, 2023

One piece of writing that captured my fancy this season was that composed by a renowned writer of our time, Abel Peter, Peter in his work “Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: World Teachers’ Day,” said “The world is evolving at a pace that seems almost surreal. Technological advancements, societal shifts, and the ever-growing pool of information — it is a lot to keep up with. Yet, in the midst of this whirlwind, teachers stand strong. They are the lighthouses, steering ships through the stormy seas of knowledge.” Wow! These are indeed virtues the society is yet to acknowledge and perhaps reward accordingly. But the question is what happens when the number of lighthouses starts dwindling?
Going through Abel Peter’s line of thought in his piece, any follower of events and happenings in the education sector, would agree that the theme of 2023 World Teachers’ Day; “The Teachers We Need for the Education we want: the global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage,” takes us to the heart of a global concern —the abundance of impostors in the field of teaching without the requisite know-how for knowledge impartation as well as character moulding and transformation which are the hallmarks of the teachers the society needs. The poor state of the Nigerian economy, has caused so much holes in the wall of education by letting the core teachers leave the field in search of greener pastures thereby creating vacancies for charlatans to occupy all in a bid to secure employment in the absence of one in their area of specialty.
Inundating the teaching profession with “people without the passion and patience for teaching experience” is tantamount to exposing the child to a world without a guardian, inspirator, and one to share the joy of discovery. It is a world we do not want to imagine because, without teachers, there is no education. It is like a symphony without a conductor. Becoming a teacher goes beyond securing a job instead of staying idle, it is a calling, it is about shaping minds, moulding futures, and being the change you want to see in the world.
The lack of recognition of people in this profession is the reason for the brain-drain in this area as well as the challenges that come with the territory. It must be made clear that teaching is a labour the society owes to appreciate. It is time we recognised and appreciated our educators not just in words but in actions. It is time to celebrate the profession for what it truly is — a beacon of hope. Imagine being the reason a child falls in love with numbers, with words, with the wonders of science. Imagine being the reason a child falls head over heels for numbers, for words, for the wonders of science. Teaching is not confined to the subjects you teach; it is about the lives you touch. It is about being a mentor, a guide, and sometimes, a shoulder to lean on. It is about instilling values, inspiring dreams, and creating a ripple effect that transcends generations.
Imagine a world where every child has a mentor, a guide, and a friend in their teacher. It is not just wishful thinking; it is a vision we can turn into reality. We can make the celebration of teachers a regular thing by supporting and investing in education, recognising that teachers are the cornerstone of a brighter future for all and by becoming the teachers of the future. Together, we can ensure that the teacher we need continues to inspire and guide us toward a more enlightened and inclusive world. Furthermore, the teacher we need is a lifelong learner. They recognise that knowledge is ever-expanding, and they lead by example in their pursuit of continuous learning. They inspire curiosity and critical thinking in their students, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Inclusive education is at the heart of the teacher we need. They embrace diversity and create inclusive classrooms where every student feels valued and respected. By fostering an environment of inclusivity, teachers empower their students to appreciate differences and develop a global perspective. Often, their efforts go unnoticed or are undervalued.
It is essential that we recognise and appreciate their hard work and commitment to the betterment of society. Let us remember that the teacher we need is not just a figure in the classroom but a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a guardian of knowledge. They are the unsung heroes who shape the future generation, moulding them into responsible citizens who will carry the torch of progress and enlightenment. In conclusion, let us honour and appreciate the teachers in our lives for their invaluable contributions. “The Teacher We Need,” invites us to explore the profound impact educators have on our lives and the qualities that make them indispensable. In an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting educational landscapes, the role of a teacher has evolved far beyond the confines of a classroom.
Today, teachers are not just conveyors of knowledge; they are mentors, facilitators, and influencers who inspire and guide students on their journeys to becoming informed, engaged, and responsible global citizens. One crucial aspect of “The Teacher We Need” is adaptability. In the face of constant change, teachers must be flexible and innovative, adapting their teaching methods to cater to the diverse needs of their students. The modern teacher embraces technology, integrating it seamlessly into the learning process while preserving the essence of human connection. Empathy and understanding are qualities that define the ideal teacher. In a world filled with complexities and challenges, teachers serve as anchors of emotional support for their students. They not only educate but also nurture the emotional well-being of their students, helping them navigate the ups and downs of life.
Thus, the theme of this year is not just a call to action; it is a siren wailing in our ears, urging us to wake up to the reality — a world on the brink of an education crisis due to shortage of teachers. The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage is more than a theme; it is a rallying cry for change, for a brighter future, and for a world where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Therefore, it is not just an issue of concern for the education sector alone, it is a societal responsibility.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Education

Committee Embarks On Schools Assessment In Etche

Published

3 months ago

July 16, 2024

The Tide

The representatives of Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State on “Educational Needs Assessment Committee, Rivers State”, Ministry of Education have embarked on assesement of government- owned schools across the local government.
The leader of the team, Mr Amadi ThankGod Iheayichukwu, who led other members of the group to assess the conditions of public schools in the local government area, said the exercise was in response to the state government’s desire to make every public school in the State functional and conducive for learning.
He stated that the assessment was to actually find out the conditions of schools as directed by the state government and report back to the state Ministry of Education .
According to him, the visit was in line with the state government’s special focus on healthcare, education and agriculture for the development of the State.
It is the responsibility of the State Committee to carefully assess all schools in Rivers State, to enable the Governor, through the Ministry of Education prepare a State-wide system to immediately enhance the teaching and learning business within the State.
Recall that the immediate past administration of the State paid little or no attention to public schools and even the educational sector in general.
The exercise continues and has till the end of this week to submit all reports.
Etche LGA has about 80 primary schools, 25 Junior Secondary Schools and 23 Senior Secondary Schools and about 93 per cent of all, are out of place or completely below standard.
“The educational sector in Rivers State, will soon wear a new look and standard, he said.”

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

UNIPORT SSANU, NASU Protest Non-Payment Of Withheld Salaries

Published

3 months ago

July 16, 2024

The Tide

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and its Non-Academic Staff Union(NASU) counterpart in the University of Port Harcourt, under the auspices of the Joint Action Committee(JAC), last Tuesday embarked on a peaceful protest around their campuses to protest against non-payment of four months owed salaries by the Federal Government as directed by their national secretariats.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the protest,the Chairman of SSANU, Comrade Bernard Ezechukwu, said they embarked on the protest to press on the Federal Government to pay their four months withheld salary arrears,fallout of their last national strike, saying the strike was in line with the directive of their national leadership.
According to him, the university system cannot work effectively without the contributions of all the unions on campus.
“We called out our people today on the plight of the workers, as regards our four months salary arrears owed to us by the previous adminstration.
“The university cannot function effectively without the contribution of all the unions on campus. “As non-teaching staff we do our best administratively, the teaching staff also do their beat to keep the system running, so why would the Federal Government trivialise our role or position?”, the SSANU Chairman asked.
He accused the people working with the President of refusing to pay the owed salaries even after the President had given order to that effect.
Ezechukwu said the protest was to notify the Federal Government of the proposed strike,which he said would be total.
Also speaking,the Chairman of NASU,UNIPORT Chapter, Comrade Osorochi Ogbegbe, said the protest was to drum support for the payment of their withheld four months salary arrears.
He queried why the non-academic staff should not be paid when their academic staff counterparts have since been paid.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

RSG Distributes Science Equipment To Secondary Schools

Published

3 months ago

July 8, 2024

The Tide

Rivers State Government has distributed science equipment worth over N180 million to all Senior Secondary Schools in the State.
The reception and distribution ceremony took place last Monday at the Senior Secondary Schools Board( RSSSSB) office, Emekuku Street, D/Line, in Port Harcourt.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ovy Chinedu, who flagged off the event, said the science equipment were to improve learning, mostly on science subjects in schools.
According to him, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is committed and determined to take education to the next level, adding that the Governor has passion for quality education.
“ I appreciate the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, as he approved and released the money to make this happen.
“He has great passion to deliver quality education and take education to the next level in the State. It was sleepless nights for us to ensure that the equipment arrives so that students can use them for their exams and learn”, Dr. Chinedu said.
The Commissioner urged teachers to put more effort to deliver equality education, saying that they can request for whatever thing needed to improve the system in terms of education and Government will respond immediately, hence they want to give students the right of training and learning.
Earlier in his address, the acting Chairman of the Board and Director of Administration, Ikechi Godpower, said, since the inception of this administration led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, education in general, particularly teaching and learning is wearing a new look in the State.
He explained that despite the rough terrain the Governor found himself for the past one year of his administration, he has continuously proved to the world that education is the bedrock of growth in our society.
According to him, the last time the board experienced such was in 2019, during the tenure of late Dame Grace Okwulehie, adding that since then six acting Chairmen have headed the board without this favour.
“ I thank the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for giving education priority, mostly the elevation of seven teachers to the position of permanent secretary, to makeup the counsel of Ahithophel to support the administration, This is the first time since the creation of Rivers State.
“Thank you, Governor Fubara, for giving us a resourceful , diligent and dutiful commissioner of education, who shared the same character traits with you and has uncommon passion for education”, Godpower said.
Speaking on behalf of the principals, while receiving the equipment the Principal of Government Secondary School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, Mr. Nwala Henry Uzoma, pledged to use the materials.
He thanked the governor through the commissioner of education to have provided the science materials to aid learning, saying that this will certainly improve the knowledge of science students.

By: Tonye Orabere