Nasarawa varsity don urges improved working conditions for teachers

A Senior Lecturer in the Department of Entrepreneurship Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Dr. Vincent Paul, has called on governments at all levels to work towards improving the working conditions of teachers to make the job friendlier and more attractive.

World Teachers’ Day, celebrated annually on October 5, was established in 1994 by UNESCO in partnership with the International Labour Organisation, UNICEF, and Education International.

The day commemorates the signing of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which sets benchmarks for teachers’ rights, responsibilities, and working conditions worldwide.

The university don made the call in a press statement made available to journalists in the Keffi Local Government Area of the state on Sunday, as part of activities to mark World Teachers’ Day.

Paul explained that despite the limited recognition and inadequate working conditions, particularly the lack of private office spaces for many teachers in primary and secondary schools, they have remained steadfast in their duties.

He further noted that their resilience has sustained the flame of education, which has formed the foundation of every career and profession across the world.

The NSUK senior lecturer, therefore, said particular attention should be given to providing befitting facilities for both teachers and students to make teaching and learning simpler, friendlier, more attractive, and more impactful as the cornerstone of sustainable development.

He said, “Teachers are more than educators; they are mentors, role models, guides, and torchbearers who illuminate the path of learning. Through their dedication, they shape the leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

“Their patience and resilience remind us today and always that education is not merely about imparting facts but about inspiring values, creativity, innovation, and lifelong curiosity.

“As we commemorate this remarkable day, we salute teachers everywhere for their sacrifices, passion for nurturing minds, and unwavering commitment to building a brighter and more inclusive future.”

Paul further explained in the statement that in a world faced with rapid changes and emerging challenges, the role of teachers remains indispensable in advancing sustainable development, peace, and progress.

Therefore, he said the commemoration of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day serves as a reminder that the teaching profession extends beyond the classroom.

Paul emphasised that teachers not only educate but also nurture and guide learners who spend a significant part of their formative years under their care, often more time than with their biological parents.

He, therefore, called on world leaders, stakeholders, governments, institutions, and communities to continue to support, empower, and invest in teachers to enable them to thrive in their noble mission of shaping lives and transforming societies

He added, “I commend governments at all levels for their ongoing efforts in keeping the educational sector alive and active. However, as the saying goes, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ Let today serve as a mark of honour to teachers worldwide.

“I urge leaders to commit additional resources and renew their dedication to raising educational standards to meet global benchmarks through faithful service to humanity.

“To every teacher, past, present, active, retired, departed, and future, we say thank you. Your impact transcends the classroom, and your legacy lives on in every life you have touched.”

According to the statement, also as part of activities to mark the day, the university lecturer paid a visit to the residence of his primary school teacher, now retired, Mrs. Augustina Abraham, in the Keffi LGA of the state, where he commended her for the invaluable contributions she had made to his life and his learning journey.

“To Mrs. Augustina Abraham, my beloved primary school teacher, and to all who taught me during my early education, though some are no longer with us, I fondly remember and celebrate your invaluable contributions today and always.

“To my secondary school teacher, Mr. J. T. Yakubu, I express my profound gratitude for the strong foundation you laid in entrepreneurship training. To my university lecturers, Prof. B. E. Barde, Prof. J. E. I. Abbah, Prof. Yusuf Ohida, Prof. James Ihimeje, Prof. Uche Joseph Uwaleke, Prof. S. A. S. Aruwa, Prof. Anthony Igbokwe, Prof. A. D. Zubairu, Dr. Ibrahim Atabs, and Dr. Ismaila Olotu Abdullahi, I say a heartfelt thank you for the knowledge, mentorship, and inspiration you imparted to me and countless others.

“To the Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, Fellow, UNESCO, ACLS, FIIFPN, and on behalf of all other Vice-Chancellors under whom I studied and worked, I say a very big thank you for providing a soft platform for academic and professional excellence,” the statement concluded.

The 2025 theme, “Empowering Teachers for a Sustainable Future,” underscores the critical role teachers play in shaping societies, driving innovation, and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

In Nigeria, the annual celebration has continued to draw attention to the declining welfare and working conditions of teachers, especially in public schools.

Despite being described as the “builders of nations,” many Nigerian teachers grapple with poor remuneration, lack of training opportunities, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate facilities, challenges that have contributed to a shortage of qualified educators and declining learning outcomes.