By Eberechukwu Ezennaya
Every 5th of October has been earmarked by the United Nations as a day of specially recognizing teachers and teachers contribution to societal development.
This year’s commemoration with the theme “Teachers at the Heart of Education Recovery” seek to acknowledge the unwaivering commitment of teachers towards education in the midst of the global Covid – 19 pandamic.
The United Nations uphold that as nations of the world struggle to economically recover from the adverse effect of the pandemic, education recovery remains an unnegotiable priority for a healthy state.
It is against this background that all member countries of United Nations, including Nigeria is joining voices to project the welfare of teachers across the world.
Back home, the story of the Nigerian teacher has always been pathetic and heartbreaking.
Although, several past governments have attempted paying some – worth attention to the plight of the Nigerian teacher, the fate of the Nigerian teacher is yet break the odd notion and create an inspiring disposition for the younger generation.
To put the record straight, the present President Muhammadu Buhari administration has thrown its weight behind teachers as demonstrated in some of the new policies introduced by the President.
Mr President who once remarked that gone is the era when teachers reward is in Heaven, he pledged to severe the welfare of teachers in Nigeria. Matching his words with action, President Buhari extended the retirement age for teachers while increasing their minimum wage.
Meanwhile, as we appreciate the President for remembering the always forgotten Nigerian Teacher, it is right to reveal that much remains to be done as long as the well being of the Nigerian Teacher is concerned.
Therefore, as we join our counter parts all over the globe to appreciate the effort of teachers, the need to critically and strategically address the problem of Nigerian teachers must never be relegated to the background or paid a lip service.
In addition, the incessant strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU which has crippled the smooth running of high institutions’ academic calendar must be given a sincere and accelerated attention.
Whatever that have forced the University teachers and their polytechnic counterpart out of work should not be reduced to a mere political acrimony.
The strong plan of President Muhammadu Buhari to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030 cannot be disengaged from the significance of a sound, effective and productive education system.
Holding the bull by the horn, Nigerians are looking up to the government of the day to arise and wield into the difficult situations faced by the Nigerian teacher. This will include provision of conducive learning environment and facilities, proper renumeration for teachers, curriculum review and introduction of policies that promote education for national development.
It is exactly at this point that we can assert without fear of contradiction that Nigeria with other countries of the world is truly on the path of education recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Eberechukwu Ezennaya is a graduate of Education and Physics from the Prestigious University of Benin.