By Amara Agha, Abakaliki
A United Kingdom-based lecture and researcher, Dr. Obinna Otu, has called on government to always train and empower teachers.
This was as Otu noted that teachers are drivers and brain box of the society.
Dr. Otu who operates a research hub known as “Bestob Education and Research
also called for an improve learning facilities in the nation’s basic schools and universities.
He further requested government at all levels to pay more attention to the needs, welfare and appreciation of teachers and the impact of those in the teaching profession.
He made the call during a meeting tagged “Ebonyi Teachers First” in Abakaliki.
The researcher noted that investing in teachers remains the best approach on the move to achieve standardisation in Nigeria educational system.
And expressed worry the way teachers have not been receiving empowerment and adequate training for career growth, urging all hands to be on deck.
“Teachers need some of these basic needs to enhance career and teaching. Such needs include food, clothing and shelters.
“How many teachers across states can boost of having a house or land property? the researcher asked.
He, therefore gave out N1 million as gift to one Mrs Alice Awaza, the oldest teacher at the programme.
The beneficiary is currently a teacher in Ohofia Community Primary school, Ukawu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi and has served for 32 years.
Awaza started her teaching career in 1992.
Nine other teachers from different primary and secondary schools received Hp laptop each to support their teachings.
Also speaking, Prof Daniel Nwibo, Provost, College of Health Science, Ebonyi state University (EBSU) said that teachers deserve better condition of services, not only in the state but Nigeria at large.
Nwibo described teachers as “Builder” of the society.
Prof Godwin Onu, Lecturer, Political Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, who spoke on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) said it was necessary to address the challenges of ICT in teaching processes in the country.
Onu noted that ICT could make teaching and learning easier and help in bringing more access to global knowledge in educational system.
“Students get learning updates easier. So, government need to enhance teachers capacity through ICT and to enable them meet the global trend in teaching and learning,” he said.
One of the participants, Awaza, the Oldest Teacher thanked the organiser and urged for more advanced training for members in the rural communities.
