NUT calls for Employment of more teachers, teachers motivation, Teaching Aids

Uzo Ugwunze

In commemoration of 2022 World’s Teachers’ Day (WTD),the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) Idemili South Local Government Area(ISLGA) Chapter, Anambra State has called on both Federal and State Government to employ more qualified teachers for both primary and secondary Schools.

NUT also urged government to procure more Digital/Electronic teaching aids and employ various forms of motivational incentives that will encourage teachers give their best towards nuturing children into better citizens in the society.

Speaking at ISLGA Education Authority, Ojoto, the NUT Chairman, Mrs Fidelia Ezeani said that although Anambra State government does not owe teachers salaries but noted there was need for additional motivation for teachers.

“Teachers should be treated well enough because whatever affects them affect the learners. Their working condition and environment should not be neglected. Teachers need salary increment. Their promotion should neither be deferred nor delayed.

“Government should also provide more audio visual teaching aids to make the work less stressful and enhance the imbibing ability of learners because seeing is believing”said Mrs.
Ezeani.

The NUT leader further discouraged teachers from always resorting to corporal punishment while correcting students saying that communication, counseling and discovering the remote cause of a misbehavior were better approaches for positive behavioral changes.

According to the Financial Officer, Mrs Ifeyinwa Obiora who spoke in lieu of the Education Secretary, Barr. Anthonia Enemuo, Teachers are nation builders. In Africa, teachers of different categories are not celebrated, recognized or renumerated as their counterparts in civilized nations.

“For instance, Federal University lecturers have been on strike for over 6months. A policeman with O’ level is paid 68,000 naira but you maybe surprised if you hear the salary of a grade level 14 teacher.

“Remember that every professional,personality, doctor, engineer, lawyer passed under a teacher. So teachers contribute a lot in shaping individuals that shape the soceity,, they need every encouragement possible,”said Mrs Obiora.

Mrs Obiora urged teachers to shun ostentatious living and remember that teachers are row models for children, youths and others in the soceity saying that they should not discharge their duties with grudges but the fear of God.

Also, the Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Obiageli Iloka revealed that many elderly teachers were going on retirement hence, the need for recruitment of more qualified teachers and retraining teachers in Anambra State.

“Some primary schools have only about four teachers. We need more teachers. By next year 88′ set will be retiring and that will leave more vacuum. We heard that teachers have been employed, they should be posted to schools especially in rural areas.

“I plead with government to continue engaging teachers in workshops/seminars to update their knowledge and skills for 21st century Learning.Let promotion be done every three years as supposed.

“All these, including salary increment with the usual prompt payment of salary witnessed in Anambra State will motivate teachers more to give their best as they nuture the next generation,” said Mrs Iloka.

Pics: ISLGA Education Authority Financial Officer, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Obiora

Pics: (R-L) NUT ISLGA chapter Chairman, Mrs Fidelia Ezeani and Mrs. Ifeyinwa Obiora