By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Niger...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Niger State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Niger State Wing and the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), participated in the global celebration of World Teachers' Day. This annual UNESCO event, held on October 5, honors teachers worldwide and reflects on how to better support them in their essential role of imparting knowledge.
At the event, which took place at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, acknowledged the many challenges that teachers face in their profession. The governor, who was represented by the Majority Leader of the Niger State House of Assembly, Musa Idris Vatsa, reassured teachers that the state government is implementing several initiatives to address these challenges comprehensively.
Governor Bago emphasized the government's collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including the legislature, to improve the education sector. He revealed that half of the state’s budget for next year would be allocated to developing the education sector. He added that teamwork is essential to achieving the state's educational goals in alignment with the "New Niger Agenda." The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Union of Teachers to promote the growth and progress of the teaching profession.
In his address, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Niger State Chapter, Comrade Adamu Mohammed Akayago, praised the dedication of teachers in the state despite the economic challenges facing the country. He acknowledged their invaluable contributions to nation-building through the shaping of young minds and society at large. While commending Governor Bago's efforts in improving education in the state, Akayago urged the government to directly address the specific challenges faced by teachers.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Muhammad, also spoke at the event, highlighting the critical role of teachers in society. She noted that teaching goes beyond imparting knowledge, as it also involves shaping character, instilling values, and inspiring future generations. Dr. Muhammad acknowledged that this year’s World Teachers' Day theme, "Valuing Teachers' Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education," reflects the evolving challenges in the education system. She assured teachers that the government remains committed to supporting and empowering them by providing professional development opportunities, promoting mental health, and advocating for improved working conditions.
In his keynote address, Dr. Mustapha Ibrahim Lemu, Executive Director of the Niger State Teachers Development Institute, stressed the importance of including teachers in decision-making processes to ensure inclusiveness.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from various institutions, including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, the Nigeria Labour Congress Niger State Chapter, and the State Project Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment. All acknowledged the vital role teachers play and called for increased support for educators.
The event concluded with the presentation of merit awards and gifts to dignitaries, principals, headteachers, and teachers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the growth of the education sector in Niger State.
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