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From Fred Ezeh and Dorcas Esokawu, Abuja
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has promised to ensure that teachers enjoy rewards of their labour on earth.
He said it was deceitful to assume that teachers who were saddled with the responsibility of moulding the character of future generations, equipping them with tools for greatness would live and die in abject poverty.
Adamu, who addressed a press conference in Abuja to outline the activities that would herald the 2017 World Teachers Day, frowned at the teachers’ condition of service, promising to use his good offices to correct the anomalies.
He said: “Unfortunately, we don’t have the capacity to repay teachers of their good works. Without teachers, the world would be wallow in ignorance.
“We all, at one point or another learnt one thing or the other from our teachers. Today’s teachers were also taught by teachers.
“That means that everything depends on teachers either in formal setting, at home or elsewhere.
“As a Minister of Education, I have come face to face with the poor condition that you work. In spite of that, you are still doing your job happily.
“But I strive to make corrections by providing conducive environment to work. I love teachers and I am happy that their fate is in my hand.
“I regret to hear that some of them don’t receive their salaries and entitlements as at when due, but I will do whatever I could within my power to correct that.”
National president, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Micheal Olukoya, said the annual observance of the day helped to reawaken the consciousness of government and Nigerians to the important role of teachers and the need for teachers to be accorded a status commensurate with their role in nation’s building.
He commended teachers for their resilience and passion in service delivery in spite of delay in salaries and other unfavorable conditions of service.
