A United Kingdom based Nigerian researcher, Dr. Obinna Ogbonnia, has called for the need to prioritise teachers welfare and improved learning facilities in the nation’s basic schools and universities.
Dr Ogbonnia, a lecturer at Swansea University, United Kingdom made the call at the weekend during a training tagged: “Ebonyi Teachers First” held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
The researcher noted that investing on teacher remains the best approach on the move to achieve standardisation in Nigeria educational system.
He 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.
Ogbonnia noted that there was always need to recognise the teachers as the driver and the brian box of the society.
He, therefore gave out N1 million as gift to one Mrs. Alice Awaza, the oldest teacher at the programme.
She is currently a teacher in Ohofia Community Primary School, Ukawu, Onicha Local Goveenment Area and has served for 32 years. Awaza started her teaching career in 1992.
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Our correspondent reports that nine other teachers from different primary and secondary schools received laptops each.
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 “builders” of the society.
Prof Godwin Onu, lecturer, Political Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, who spoke on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) said it was necessary to address the challenges of ICT in the 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.
