Speaking at the event, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered that only those adequately prepared and regulated should be entrusted with the teaching and learning process.
He said the Federal Government would improve the standard of teaching and learning by empowering teachers through the activities of its agencies.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Babachir Lawal, said the process of reform in the education sector could not function without a fundamental change of the attitude, orientation and behaviour of teachers.
Buhari said: “It is commonly acknowledged that the quality of learning depends, first and foremost, on the quality of teachers. Consequently, in 1966 the international Community adopted a standard to promote quality teachers and teaching. In this new world order, knowledge is power and all the strategic sectors of society are expected to be manned only by individuals, whose capabilities and understanding of the sectors are not in any way doubtful. Logically, therefore, as other professions, only those who are adequately prepared and regulated should be entrusted with the teaching and learning process.
[quote_box_center]“It is against this backdrop that the Federal Government has not relented in its efforts to improve the standard of teaching through the activities of agencies as the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, National Teacher’s Institute, National Commission for Colleges of Education, National Universities Commission, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and various faculties and departments of institutions of higher learning. These institutions are directed towards the realisation of government’s goals in the improvement of the quality of teacher education programmes, registration and licensing processes and, the overall professionalisation of teaching.”[/quote_box_center]
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″]“This government recognizes that educated Nigerians are its best assets. It is therefore committed to the total eradication of illiteracy through the implementation of multi-pronged educational policies and programs designed to promote skill acquisition, teacher training, vocational and commercial education amongst others to meet the evolving needs of our society.”[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]“However, this process cannot function without a fundamental change in the attitude, orientation and behavior of teacher towards greater values, ideals and practices. A comprehensive ethical framework is, therefore, required to define what the new values, ideals and practices should be. There might also be the need for the new legal instruments and programs that are designed to enforce the provisions of the ethical framework.[/vc_column][/vc_row]
The event took place at the Eagle Square amidst tight security with low turnout of teachers due to the latest Bomb blast in Abuja.
National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Michael Olukoya disclosed that over 600 teachers have lost their lives to the Boko Haram attacks.
He commended President Buhari over the fight against the Boko Haram sect but urged him to wipe out them out.
The low key event was however wrapped up with the presentation of the President’s award of a brand new car to Mr. Alade Taiwo of Dominic Primary School, Ondo state who emerged as the best teacher in Nigeria for the year 2015.
