No true national development without teachers, says Peter Obi

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By Madu Obi

The Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate in the February 25 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged all educators in Nigeria to remain dedicated to the cause of nation-building, saying there is no true national development without teachers.

In a message to mark the World Teacher's Day 2023, Obi emphasized the importance of teachers carrying out their responsibilities diligently and setting positive examples for both their students and society as a whole, noting that genuine societal development hinges on the invaluable contributions made by teachers.

According to him, the bedrock of any society's development lies in human capital development, which is a goal attainable solely through education and the invaluable contributions of teachers.

Obi said: "The immense dedication, hard work, patience, and commitment displayed by many teachers across various schools and institutions, particularly at the foundational level, in their efforts to shape their students into knowledgeable and virtuous individuals, merits commendation."

"I consistently express my appreciation for and celebrate teachers in Nigeria whenever the opportunity arises."

"My strong belief is that the government should make it a priority to honor Nigerian teachers who have, through their steadfast dedication and hard work, demonstrated outstanding excellence in diverse ways."

"It's time to redirect our focus from celebrating individuals who contribute to the challenges our nation faces," he expounded."

He further called upon the government to treat teachers' salaries with utmost importance by ensuring timely disbursement.

Emphasizing the critical nature of basic education, he urged governments at all levels to step in and guarantee that teachers in private and voluntary schools receive compensation at par with their counterparts in public schools.

He also urged the teachers to remain steadfast and patient amidst the prevailing hardships in the state, while maintaining hope for a brighter future in the New Nigeria.

Obi disclosed that his tenure as governor of Anambra State would not have accomplished the numerous successes in the education sector without the unwavering dedication and commitment of the state's teachers and stressed the urgency of revolutionizing education nationwide by actively addressing the issue of 22 million out-of-school children.

He emphasized the need for increased investment in education and the recruitment of more teachers to achieve this vital goal.