The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Obafemi Hamza, has emphasised the efforts of the State Government in exposing teachers to quality training, capacity development programmes and motivation by providing soft loans, prompt payment of salaries and allowances.
A statement by Mr Ganiu Lawal, Director, Public Affairs of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, said that Hamza made the assertion in commemoration of the 2021 World Teachers Day.
“The administration’s stride in continuous recruitment of teachers, rewarding excellence and productivity of exceptional teachers with cars and other prizes for better working environment with infrastructural materials have been provided by the government.”
According to the statement, the Deputy Governor was represented by Mrs Folasade Adefisayo, Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Education, at a celebration held at the NUT Pavilion, Ikeja, Lagos.
It added that he charged the teachers to justify the huge investment of the government by discharging their duties as professionals and embrace their jobs diligently as they are role models and counselors to the students.
The deputy governor described teachers as ‘ Change Agents ‘ whose efforts, resilience, commitment and dedication to duties can be best explained and acknowledged as nation building tasks.
It noted that the theme of the 2021 edition was ‘ Teachers at the Heart of Education Recovery”
According to him, the theme is apt as teachers have always been respected as special people.
“Teachers are capable of ensuring great transformation not only of the minds but of skills, capacities and empowerment that change lives.
“On behalf of the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, I commend your passion, cooperation, and dedication to your duties as well as your commitment to our vision of providing quality and functional education delivery in the state.
“We are indeed proud of you in Lagos State, and we will continue to hold you in high esteem because we have seen your impacts on the quality of teaching as reflected in the performances of our students across the State,” he said.
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Obafemi also identified the resilience and innovative approach of teachers during the COVID-19 lockdown ensuring that students still receive the necessary knowledge and education despite the confinement.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, delivering her remarks pointed out that the teaching profession in Lagos State has been made more lucrative, attracting other teachers to schools in Lagos State.
The governor’s wife, represented by Mrs Anike Adekanye, Tutor General/Permanent Secretary Education District II, while appreciating the teachers encouraged them to support the government in improving the standard of education in the state.
Earlier, Mr Akintoye Hassan, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Lagos State Chapter, appreciated the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the phenomenal revolution brought to the teaching sector through the THEMES Agenda by integrating technology to enhance teaching and learning.
Akintoye acknowledged the various initiatives ranging from staff welfare, recruitment of additional teachers, to numerous capacity building programmes, school infrastructural upgrade among other provision.
He averred that as a testament to the improved quality of education in Lagos State and its manpower, Bolade Junior Grammar School Oshodi emerged as the best school in Nigeria for Y2021 President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award (PTSEA) .
While two teachers emerged Best Teacher in same event in senior and junior categories, Mrs Adefemi Adedunke, of the State Public Schools, was equally ranked top 50 in the world at the Year 2021 Global Teacher Prize.
Amongst dignitaries present in the event included Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker, Federal House of Representative, Hon. Ganiyu Okanlawon,
Chairman, House Committee on Education, Permanent Secretaries, Tutor Generals and other stakeholders in the education sector. (NAN)