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By Stephen Adeleye.
Kogi Government on Friday, expressed gratitude to the teachers in the state for their resilience and selfless service, in spite the unfavourable circumstances.
Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Education, gave the commendation in a statement in Lokoja to mark the 2018 World Teachers Day.
The Day has: “The Right to Education Means The Right To A Qualified Teacher”, as the theme.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the State Government, the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, joins the rest of the world in celebrating all our teachers in Kogi.
“We acknowledge the contributions of teachers, individually and collectively, as significant to nation- building and social development.
“We affirm, as true the African proverb says, that the community collectively raises a child, and appreciate all categories of stakeholders in the Education sector for supporting and motivating teachers in Kogi.
“Indeed, there is evidently more to be done in respect to funding education, especially in Kogi,” Osikoya said.
According to her, the need to change the narrative of sole-government funding, motivation and incentives for teachers in the state is urgent.
She therefore called for more stakeholders’ input as well as increased budgetary allocations and release of funds to achieve set goals in the sector.
“The funding gap is as old as Nigeria itself and evident of infrastructural decay from damages effected by natural disasters unaddressed over decades.
“Unimplemented development plans, poor school structures to inadequate learning and teaching aids amongst many other challenges.“
The commissioner said that as the debate centred on the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria and specifically in Kogi, the matter of teachers’ welfare should factor in as a priority.
“This explains the ministry emphasis and priority focus in the 2019 budget provisions for teachers’ recruitment, training, teaching and learning aids.
“School protection and security, renovation of structures damaged by natural disasters, construction of required boarding and teachers’ accommodation and facilities among others.”
She said that the proposed Endowment Bill at the State House of Assembly was a welcome development and a step in the right direction.
Osikoya expressed confidence that its speedy passage and effective implementation would yield much needed positive impact.
The commissioner commended the heads of all institutions in the sector for working tirelessly to ensure the success of the inaugural Joint Kogi State 2018 Teachers Appreciation as a team,.
“This inaugural event is aimed at identifying, acknowledging and celebrating outstanding and distinguished teachers in all institutions of learning in the state.”
She said the event was also aimed at celebrating remarkable qualities and potential in the state was proposed to align with the Oct. 5 global celebration.
“But due to ongoing political parties’ primary elections holding across the state, the event has been rescheduled to a yet-to-be announced date within the month.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including parents, guardians, community members, traditional and religious leaders, corporate organisations, politicians to do something meaningful to encourage a teacher near them, today and always.”
“Nothing is either too big or too small. Take the first step and it will make a world of meaning.”
(NAN)
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