Lagos State Government has repeatedly called for adequate collaboration between parents, communities, and school owners to demonstrate their support to teachers and improve learning outcomes.
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of the state made the call in his address to the teachers through his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat during the celebration of the World Teachers' Day, in Lagos on Monday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said, there must be stronger collaboration among teachers, parents, policymakers, and communities to make learning more impactful and meaningful all over the state.
The Governor who urged teachers in the state to uphold professional ethics and accountability to preserve the integrity and legacy of teaching said government, school owners, teachers, parents and students must collectively protect the teaching profession and promote accountability and professionalism.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended teachers for their dedication and invaluable role in shaping the minds and characters of future leaders.
Governor Sanwo-Olu while addressing the theme of this year's celebration, "Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Futures", he said teachers are the pillar of the society, who awaken curiosity, nurture potential, and inspire students to dream beyond their limits.
In his address, the State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Hassan Akintoye Mujeeb, appreciated the entire teachers in the state for their sacrifices, patience, commitment and continuing to stand in the classroom even when the circumstances are challenging.
"Thank you for being counsellors, mentors, caregivers, role models and in many instances, second parents to our learners.
"Sixty years is not a small milestone. It represents six decades of recognising that if we want quality education, then we must also protect and strengthen the people who deliver that education.
"Standing with teachers means that we must not only celebrate teachers when they receive awards or when we need them to produce excellent examination results.
"Standing with teachers means being there when they need better working conditions, listening when they speak, considering their welfare when policies are made, providing the infrastructure and teaching resources required for effective teaching,protecting them from insecurity, ensuring that their years of experience are valued, creating opportunities for their professional development and career progression".
The Lagos State NUT Wing Chairman, appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for the support and attention his administration has given to the education sector during his eight years.
"Your Excellency, we appreciate the fact that education has remained an important pillar of the development agenda of your administration. Lagos is not an ordinary State; Lagos is a mega-city. Lagos is a city of enormous population, enormous economic activity and enormous educational needs.
"Our demand is on the implementation of the 65/40 years retirement policy. This policy is backed by the Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act 2022, which was signed into law by former Late President Muhammadu Buhari. Also security of our schools is also very important as well as teachers welfare.
"Appointment of Headmaster-Generals from among serving head teachers in our primary schools, similar to the leadership structure of Tutor General/Permanent Secretary available in the secondary school system.
The Headmaster-Generals should have clearly defined responsibilities, particularly in the area of academics, instructional supervision, mentoring and professional support.
We must emphasise that this structure would not create conflict with the statutory responsibilities of Education Secretaries, rather responsibilities would be clearly delineated so that both structures complement one another.
Our objective is simple; stronger academic leadership and better learning outcomes in our primary schools.
"Improved infrastructural facilities in our schools. While the Union appreciates the effort of the government in this regard, we call for continued improvement in school infrastructure. Classrooms that are conducive to learning, adequate furniture, functional laboratories. libraries, proper sanitation, well-equipped staff rooms, reliable water supply and facilities that reflect the standard expected of a mega-city such as Lagos.
The physical environment in which a child learns affects the child’s experience of education.
"Teachers' Welfare. We cannot talk about standing with teachers without talking about welfare.
"Stress and health management. The Union also urge the government to pay greater attention to the health and wellbeing of teachers. Teaching is intellectually, emotionally and physically demanding.
It is therefore important that stress-management, health-management and wellness training become part of continuous professional development for teachers. A healthy teacher is an effective teacher.
"Restoration of annual merit award for teachers. We also wish to draw Your Excellency’s attention to the discontinuation of the Annual Merit Award for Teachers in Lagos State, which has not been held since the year 2022. This prestigious initiative, prior to its suspension, served as a significant platform for recognizing and rewarding excellence, dedication, and outstanding contributions among teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the State.
"The Annual Merit Award was not merely ceremonial; it played a vital role in motivating teachers to strive for higher standards of professionalism, innovation, and commitment to duty. It also reinforced the State Government’s recognition of the critical role teacher’s play in shaping the future of our society and driving sustainable development.
"Since the suspension of this initiative, there has been a noticeable gap in formal recognition and encouragement for teachers who consistently go above and beyond in the discharge of their responsibilities.The restoration of such a program would serve as a powerful tool for boosting teacher motivation, improving performance, and ultimately enhancing the quality of education delivery in Lagos State.
"Your Excellency, Its revival will not only restore a culture of excellence and healthy competition among educators but will also reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the welfare of teachers and Education Administrators.
"Your Excellency, as you approach the end of your administration, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Lagos State Wing appreciates the relationship that has existed between the government and the organized teaching profession.
"This year’s World Teachers Day is particularly significant as it is the last to be held in this administration.
"We assure Your Excellency that the Union will continue to maintain a cordial and productive relationship with government and will continue to advocate for policies that promote the welfare of teachers and the advancement of education.
"To the No. 1 worker in Lagos State, the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, we appreciate your responsibilities Sir, for the overall coordination of the Lagos State Public Service, issues relating to conditions of service, career progression, retirement and the general welfare of public servants are areas in which your office has significant influence. We therefore appreciate your continued consideration of the peculiarities of teachers within the public service.
Our indefatigable Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Sir, we appreciate your contributions on policy direction and the overall administration of Basic and Secondary Education.
Delivering the Vote of thank the
NUT Lagos State Wing Secretary, Comrade Gbenga Ayetoba, appreciated all the people that have contributed to the success of this year's Teachers' Day Celebration. He mentioned Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Hamzat and other stakeholders as well as the number one teacher in the state, the NUT Chairman and his team.
Comrade Ayetoba also thanked the entire teachers in the state saying their unalloyed support to the union cannot be over emphasized while urging them not to relent.
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