By Rebecca Akintunde &Trust Akharaiyi
In celebration of World Teachers Day and recognition of the vital roles teachers play in transforming the society, Ondo State Government has honoured teachers across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The teachers were given awards of excellence as well as cash prizes for their meritorious contribution to the lives of their students and the state in general.
At the event organised to celebrate the teachers in Akure, the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu described teachers as the backbone of the society.
Akeredolu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Pastor Olufemi Agagu, said teachers do not only impart knowledge to students in the academic aspect, but also they have been motivating and guiding students to become better people.
“We are always grateful to you, today we are here to celebrate teachers day, and it is a day filled with excitement, joy and happiness. I believe that there is no other profession in the world that is more important than teaching.
“Today is a day set aside to honor the teachers, who work everyday to make sure the future of our nation and her citizen is bright and have contributed immensely to the development of the teaching profession and humanity.
“Today in this event, we would be giving awards to deserving teachers and it would continue by the grace of God.
“Also, the government has introduced many opportunities to better the life of our teachers, ranging from promotion as and when due, monetary back ups, we now have teachers who are permanent secretaries.” He said.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Ondo State Chapter, Mr Victor Amoko, commended the good works of the State Government, expressing delight at the positive developments in the state education sector.
Mr. Amoko admonished the state government to keep up with its good works and the positive trends until all schools are well staffed to ensure maximum productivity on the part of teachers.
“The recruitment of over one thousand new teachers by the state government recently deserved a strong praise to your Excellency. Teachers and the education industry are happy about the positive development”, he expressed.
He, however, admonished the state government to give more attention to vocational and technical education in the state and also implement service year elongation for teachers.
The State Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, (ASUSS) Ondo State, Comrade Tajudeen Balogun appreciated the state government for recruiting more teachers in the state and catering for their welfare.
Also present at the event were State PTA Chairman, Trade Union Congress Chairman and Nigerian Labour Congress Chairman among others