By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
Teachers in the country have been urged to keep the light burning, remain for focused and resolute towards attaining the general educational goals and philosophy of the nation.
The teachers are also advised not to be just educators, but mentors, guides and friends to their students/pupils.
This was disclosed by the Commandant of Command Secondary School, Jos, Lt.Col Adekunle Oduyemi, on Thursday, in commemoration of the 2023 World Teachers Day.
Oduyemi who said the theme of the day which is; The Teachers we Need for the Education we want: The Global Imperative to Reverse Teachers Shortage; commended teachers for playing instrumental and constructive roles in shaping the minds of students, whereby guiding them towards attaining success.
He said, “Iam honoured to stand before you today as we celebrate the World Teachers’ Day; we celebrate our ever selfless and enthusiastic teachers. Please note that Iam proud of you, and I am proud to be a teacher.
“Everywhere in the World today is a day teachers are revered and honored, as it remind us of our individual and collective sacrifices as teachers towards shaping the students and nation. To this end I want to passionately appeal to teachers to keep the light burning and remain focused and resolute towards attaining the general educational goals and philosophy.
“Please join me in applauding the hard work and passion of our teachers, who have been playing an instrumental and constructive roles in shaping our students minds and guiding them towards attaining excellence, and the path to success.
According to him, “Teachers are not just educators but mentors, guides, and friends.
“You have imparted knowledge to our students and instilled discipline, courage and sound morals in them. There is no doubt this assisted in shaping them positively, it is a life lesson that will stay with them forever.
“You have constantly encouraged them to pursue their passions and never to give up on their dreams”, the Commandant maintained.
“Therefore, my dear teachers’, teaching is a challenging enterprise which requires a lot of patience, hard work, and dedication”, he admonished.
“We teachers have always been there for our dear children, guiding them through their struggles and celebrating their successes.
“You have always been willing to go the extra mile to ensure that students understand their educational materials geared toward excellent performances in their examinations.
“Permit me to emphasise that this occasion of the ‘World Teachers’ Day 2023′ would not be complete without congratulating and thanking you all for your unwavering support and guidance. I want to thank you all for your patience, kindness, and commitment to children’s’ education.
“My deepest gratitude goes to all of you for making the teachers within the Nigerian Army and indeed our dear nation, Nigeria proud.
“You have positively impacted on so many lives, and we will forever be indebted and grateful for all you have done”, Oduyemi stressed.
Also speaking, Mrs Ijeoma Onwuama, Examination Officer Senior School, while presenting a paper on the aforementioned theme; said, “From the theme, it is nothing to say, if not to look at the kind of teachers that we are suppose to have in our schools.
“Teachers that are qualified, licensed, certified and registered.
“If you look at education these days, everybody goes into it knowing fully well that is the chance to get a job; after no success in search for white collar job; and that is what is killing education in the country.
“That is why I commend the Teachers Registration Council (TRC) because they are doing a good job”, she maintained.
According to her, “The TRC has made it compulsory that, if you want to be a professional teacher, you have to be certified with the Council, and this license can take you to places.
“The teachers we need in this country must be nurturers, motivators, mentors; they should be the ones that are inquisitive in getting to know these children more”, she stressed.
