Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed his administration's commitment to maintain the harmonious relationship between teachers and the state government by discharging government obligations to them and other workers.
Governor Oborevwori stated this during the celebration of the 2024 World Teachers' Day with the theme "Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a Social Contract for Education" at the Cenotaph, Asaba .
The governor represented by the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme said the state government was happy with the cordial and harmonious relationship that existed between the Nigeria Union of Teachers and other labour unions in the state.
He said the World Teachers' Day offered the opportunity to reflect on the noble profession and it's valuable role in nation building noting that the most influential person in anyone's life is a teacher.
Governor Oborevwori noted that for any country to be great then attention must be paid to education and learning adding that teachers are critical key factors in the process of the development of any human resources.
While attributing the growth of any individual or society to the training of teachers ,the governor affirmed that teachers have the responsibility of imparting knowledge,instill the right values and skills to enable pupils and students contribute to their communities and the larger society.
The governor urged teachers to use this year's celebration to focus on the issue of excellence in teaching and learning stressing the teachers and educationists must constantly upgrade their knowledge and teaching skills and adapt to changing situations.
Governor Oborevwori promised to look into all the issues of stagnation of university graduates in primary schools not going beyond level 14, pending arrears and the need to employ more teachers for secondary schools among others.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers,Comrade Audio Amba represented by Comrade Eke Orobor called on the thirteen states yet to implement the Teachers Act which provided for retirement of teachers on the attainment of 65 years or 40 years of service.
The State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Titus Okotie,pledged the readiness of the Union to work closely with the government in transforming the sector.
He appealed to Governor Oborevwori to look into the issue of stagnation of university graduate teachers in the primary education sector on salary grade 14 and the provision of instructional materials to enhance teaching among others.
In an interview,the Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Honourable Charles Emetulu said the state government was doing its best in the development of the education sector adding that teachers played vital roles in shaping the future of society.
In his remark,the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Goodluck Oforbruku called on the government to pay attention to the welfare of teachers,provide a conducive environment, payment of their arrears,lifting of stagnation and commended Governor Oborevwori for his efforts in the education sector.
In their separate remarks,the Chairman of the Post Primary Education Board,Dr Emmanuel Tidi and his State Universal Basic Education SUBEB counterpart, Honourable Samuel Mariere lauded teacherd for their valuable role in teaching and learning and assured of government continued support,adding that the governor had approved the payment of arrears for primary school teachers.
In a lecture, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri highlighted some challenges facing the sector to include poor infrastructure and remuneration,lack of local and international training and conferences and called on government at all levels to give teachers their pride of place in the society.
The highlight was the match past by members of the NUT from the twenty five local government areas as well as cultural dances
