••• Promises Better Welfare for Teachers
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed deep concern over the steady decline in the value and prestige of the teaching profession, describing it as a national challenge that requires urgent redress.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the 69th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting held at The Dome, Akure, the Governor said revitalising the teaching workforce remains central to achieving Nigeria’s educational transformation goals.
«“We must restore dignity to the teaching profession. Teachers are the bedrock of national progress, and when they are empowered, the nation prospers,” Aiyedatiwa declared.»
He stressed that his administration is committed to reversing the trend through improved welfare, professional development, and digital innovation. Under the OUR EASE education policy, the government has recruited and trained over 2,100 teachers, distributed more than 75,000 textbooks, rehabilitated hundreds of classrooms and laboratories, and paid all counterpart funds up to 2024 to access UBEC/SUBEB grants.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also reaffirmed his commitment to the regular payment of teachers’ salaries, pensions, and gratuities, describing such measures as non-negotiable incentives for improved productivity and morale.
According to him, “Education must not only be free and functional but transformative. Our teachers must feel valued, respected, and motivated to deliver excellence in our classrooms.”
He noted that Ondo State’s investment in digital learning infrastructure, scholarships, and inclusive education is part of a broader vision to make education meaningful and technology-driven.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for introducing education reforms such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the Governor praised the Federal Ministry of Education for its push toward digitalisation and professionalisation in the sector.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described the meeting’s theme, “Quality Education Data and Professionalisation of Teaching: Tools for Enhanced National Development,” as timely and strategic, urging stakeholders to take practical steps toward repositioning the teaching profession.
«“If we fail to dignify and develop our teachers, we cannot build a knowledge-driven society. The time to act is now,” he concluded.»
