World Teachers Day: Teachers made me what I am today- Governor Abiodun acknowledges
ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has acknowledged that what he is today was due to the teaching and moulding received under the tutelage of his teachers during his schools days.
The governor made this acknowledgement in his speech at the World Teachers Day celebration with the theme ‘Young Teachers: The Future of the Profession’ held at MKO Abiola International stadium, Abeokuta on Saturday, whereby on a personal note, he expressed gratitude to his lovely and dutiful teachers particularly in the past.
He noted that coming from a home where both of his parents were teachers, and, they were still teachers, he knew very much the sacrifices that teachers made on a daily basis to impart knowledge in the lives pupils and students nationwide.
“And, considering the prevailing socio-economic situation where we have continued to see that students spend a longer part of their days with their teachers, the teachers are fast becoming foster parents as well.
“Instilling the ‘Omoluabi’ on our youth is not just a shared responsibility, but more largely on our teachers. As such, a good student is not just a reflection of the home, but also the teacher. Celebrating our teachers is, therefore, not a thing of one, but of all days.
“On behalf of the government and entire people of Ogun State, I join others to congratulate all teachers throughout the world, on the commemoration of the 2019 World Teachers Day. The World Teachers Day also known as International Teachers Day, even as you are already aware, is held annually on October 5, every year.
“It was established in 1994 to commemorate the signing of the 1966 UNESCO/ILO recommendation concerning the status of teachers which is a standard- setting instrument that addresses the status and situations of teachers around the world.
“This annual event is to focus on appreciating, assessing and improving the educators of the world and to provide an opportunity to consider issues relating to teachers and teaching profession. Without mincing words, this is a day we honour our teachers and recognize their contributions not only to education sector, but also the socio-economic development of our nation.
“It is, to a large extent, a day to re-emphasize the importance of the teaching-learning process to raise the profile and increase the awareness and understanding of the teaching profession.
“Let me in a special way congratulate the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) in Ogun State, for providing a viable platform for the continued interaction of teachers and the development of the teaching profession in general. I understand that this is the first time the NUT and ASUSS are celebrating together at the stadium.
“On our part, we will continue to encourage greater cooperation, cohesion, support and dedication towards the development of education in our dear State. I enjoin to double your effort so as to achieve better performance of our children in the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) and other examinations.”
