The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Teacher

  • Who wants to be a teacher?

    It will not be an exaggeration to state that the state of education in the country is at an all-time low. Concerned stakeholders are justifiably worried about the sore state of affairs in the sector. Without a doubt, every patriot must be concerned about the disturbing state of education in our nation. If we are to record reasonable scientific and technological breakthroughs, attain national development, achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among others, there is a need to do something radical about the declining fortune of education. Some have, indeed, demanded that a “State of Emergency” be declared in the sector while others have called for the setting up of a “Firebrand Task Force” to deal with the nose diving fortune of education. Whatever it is that is eventually done, the reality is that the education sector needs dire attention.

    A majority of Nigerian graduates are unemployable because of the inconsistencies and instability in the sector. We should not be abashed at this revelation. Since we have placed little value on our schools and teachers over the past decades, we should not expect anything different. It is an undeniable truth that education and national development are complementary. Therefore, it shouldn’t be surprising that we are lagging behind in so many critical areas when compared with nations such as Singapore, India, Malaysia, Ghana, and Trinidad and Tobago, to mention but a few among nations with whom we attained political independence around the same time.

    One area in which we have really erred in terms of our attitude towards education is in the gross neglect of teachers. No matter the level of investment in the sector, if we continue to treat teachers as some irrelevant bunch of people who don’t really matter, we won’t make much progress in any effort to reposition education. We need to pay close attention to the status of the teaching profession in the country. Universally, teaching is regarded as one of the oldest professions in the world. The main goal of teaching is to change the behaviour of the learner with a view to making him/her a useful or productive member of the society. The central figure in teaching is, no doubt, the teacher.

    The way people perceive teachers varies from one society and culture to the other. To the Jews, he is known as “Rabbi” (the great scholar) while Indians refer to him as “Brahman” (the esteemed one). In Athens, he is referred to as ‘prodigy’, that is, the most intelligent one in the community while in Rome; a teacher is a ‘pedagogo’, meaning a slave whose duty is to teach the young ones. Back home in Nigeria, it is believed in some quarters that teachers are generally wretched and miserly persons who measure yams with a ruler or foodstuffs  such as garri (cassava flour), rice, beans, etc. so as to determine the quantity to be cooked. As evident in our society, teachers are usually sneered at for their not too comfortable and favourable social status. Worst still, while others readily get their own share of the national cake while still alive, teachers are to wait for their own reward in heaven!

    In education, a teacher is one who helps students or pupils, often in a school as well as in a family, religious or community setting. A teacher is an acknowledged guide or helper in processes of teaching/learning. A teacher’s role varies between cultures. Academic subjects are emphasised in many societies. But really, a teacher’s duty may include instruction in craftsmanship or vocational training, spirituality, civic community activities, sciences or life skills among others.

    In civilized and organized societies, teachers are well rated and usually respected as specialized professionals, on the same level as many other professions. In our clime, if we are to get the best out of teachers, we need to honour, celebrate and respect them.  The issue of proper remuneration for teachers is one that we must not really shy away from. A properly motivated teacher is definitely an asset to the society.

    For us to redefine our perception of teachers and get the best out of them, we need to reflect on the message of Dr. Eric Williams, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, to the youth of his country at the country’s Independence Youth Rally in 1962. In his words at the occasion, Dr. Williams said, among others, that: “To your tender and loving hands the future of the nation is entrusted. In your innocent heart the pride of the nation is enshrined. On your scholastic development the salvation of the nation is dependent. When you return to your classes after independence, remember, therefore, each and every one of you, that you carry the future of Trinidad and Tobago in your school bags. We should all note that an educated nation is a liberated people”. How fitting!

    At the nation’s Centre of Excellence, Lagos State, teachers have already been accorded a well-deserved status in the scheme of things.  This has been done through their elevation in terms of career progression as Tutor Generals/Permanent Secretaries. This is a way of encouraging teachers to aspire to the utmost height in the public service.  It is heart-warming that some states are already emulating Lagos in his direction.

    It is, however, important, for teachers to see their vocation as a life changing one that involves giving the nation a fulfilled and secured future. As a result, they need to be dedicated and committed towards giving the best to the all-round development of students and pupils entrusted in their care. They should make integrity, competence and excellence their watchword. Stakeholders in the education sector, private organizations and spirited individuals are equally enjoined to work as a virile team in order to uplift education in Nigeria to enviable pedestals. We need to go back to the basics by according our beloved teachers the honour and respect they deserve. It is only in doing this that we can be assured of getting positive responses whenever the question: “Who wants to be a Teacher” is asked.

     

    • Olagunju writes from Alausa, Ikeja

  • Teacher accused of stealing perfume

    A teacher, Preye Joseph, who allegedly stole six bottles of perfume and a wristwatch valued at N140, 000 from a doctor’s home, was yesterday arraigned at an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    Preye, 45, who lives in Jibowu, Lagos, is facing a charge of stealing.

    The prosecutor, Lucky Ihiehie, told the court that the offence was committed on October 20 at Adebiodun Williams Street, Ogudu.

    He said the complainant, Opeyemi Adewole, a house help to the owner of the house, told the police that at 11:30am, the accused knocked on the door to their apartment, asking of her boss.

    “The house help told her that he had gone to work and the accused pretended to have called him on the phone in the presence of the house help, and told her that the owner of the house asked her to wait for him.

    “The house help opened the door for the accused to wait for her boss, while she went to bath.

    “A few minutes after she finished bathing, the accused told the house help that she was leaving, and that she should escort her to the gate,” the prosecutor said.

    He said while they were going, a neighbour met them and questioned the accused, who claimed she came to see her sister, the house help.

    “Immediately, the house help told the neighbour the truth, how the accused came to their apartment, and that it was her first time of seeing the accused.

    The accused pleaded not guilty.

    The Magistrate, Mrs. O. Sule-Amzat, granted the accused bail at N50, 000 with two sureties, whose addresses must be verified.

    She adjourned the case till December 5.

  • Teacher jailed one month for mischief

    A Karmo Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, has sentenced a 32-year-old teacher, Godwin Lawrence, to one-month imprisonment for mischief.

    The judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, however, gave the convict an option of N5,000 fine.

    He ordered him to pay N15,000 as compensation to the nominal complainant.

    Sadiq advised the convict to desist from crimes, saying the sentence would act as a deterrent to others.

    Lawrence, who lives at Karmo, was convicted on a one count charge.

    The convict, who pleaded guilty, urged the court to be lenient, saying he acted out of ignorance.

    The prosecutor, Florence Auhioboh, told the court that Isiaka Adama of same address with the convict, reported the matter at Karmo Police Station on August 25.

    She said the convict on that day was walking on the main road, the complainant honked his horn several times, but he refused to move.

    “He started insulting him and broke the windscreen of the complainant’s car, valued at N15,000.

    “During police investigation, he confessed to the crime and begged for mercy.”

    The prosecutor said the offence was punishable under Section 327 of the Penal Code.

     

  • Hoodlums allegedly beat up teacher over conversion of school to council secretariat

    Hoodlums allegedly beat up teacher over conversion of school to council secretariat

    Suspected hoodlums have beaten up a teacher in the Ilashe area of Ipokia Local Government for allegedly resisting an attempt to convert a public school in the area to the headquarters of one of the newly created local council development area in Ogun State.

    The teacher, Kayode Omitogun was allegedly stripped naked by the hoodlums and dragged in a mud water.

    The incident according to sources happened last Wednesday at Mayigi Community Comprehensive High School in Ilashe.

    It was learnt that Omitogun’s assailants were led to the school by a community leader cum politician in order to take over a block of classrooms for the purpose of converting the building to the council’s secretariat when Omitogun resisted them on the grounds that it was a public educational facility.

    A source said: ‘’ Although pupils are currently on holiday but Omitogun went to the school to resist the immoral attempt to convert the school to a council secretariat. In the process, he was stripped naked, beaten in a pool of mud water for about 30 minutes by thugs loyal to some politicians who stormed the school to take over a block of classrooms for the use of a newly established local council development area.

    ‘’ One of the thugs also smashed a bottle on Omitogun’s head. But for the intervention of passers-by that took him to a nearby hospital, he would have died from the brutality meted to him by thugs loyal to the politicians.’’

    An enquiry was forwarded to the Press Officer of Ogun State Ministry of Education, Mr Abiodun Oduyebo, and he promised to revert to our correspondent.

    He was however unable to do so as of press time.

  • Teacher’s reward in heaven; poverty beckons on earth!

    SIR: Becoming a teacher in Nigeria, doesn’t exactly align with the prayers of most young Nigerians who seek God’s direction in their search for a glamorous future occupation. Try suggesting the teaching profession to an intending “Jambite” and you’d almost certainly be rebuked for your unreasonable statement, with a fervent “God Forbid!” to ensure such absurd wishes never come to pass!

    Aside from the snide remarks which undergraduates studying education struggle to endure on a daily basis from peers of other disciplines (which are considered to be more honourable and economically viable), a great portion of Education students, already seem to have programmed their immediate-future endeavours away from the classroom.

    A teacher’s reward is said to be in heaven. Well, while such complimentary divine assurance is expected to draw some attraction to the teaching profession, the farther it scares people away from it!

    It’s not news that a huge number of Nigerian teachers are broke! Irreparably broke, both penny wise and otherwise. In fact, practitioners in commercial trades like taxi driving, Keke/Okada riding and tailoring, have proven over time to be far richer, if one should aggregate their daily income as compared to the meagre monthly wages of classroom teachers!

    While teachers at the public sector have gotten themselves accustomed to recurring long and dry spells of unpaid salaries, the stars aren’t shining any brighter for teachers at the private schools. The exploitative and capitalist private schools I must add…

    Having studied education, and of course, endured the accompanying stigma that came along with it, I got really curious to look up the welfare package of teachers in some private schools. I realised, only a few Ivy League schools (even with their enviable net worth) thought it wise to pay teachers a little above N40,000 monthly (about $127). They bragged a lot about it too. A sum, some gatekeepers receive as remuneration for manning the gate of an oil company!

    I witnessed a massive troop of BSc degree holding graduates, queuing up for exhaustive hours to be recruited by private schools who were absolutely unapologetic about their fixed monthly salaries which varied between 12, 15, 20 and 25 thousand Naira respectively, (transportation and other expenses included). Who cares about what’s left in the teacher’s purse after blowing up a chunk of his or her insufficient pay on transportation to the job? Nobody right?

    The fortunate few who got the job, were ridiculously overworked beyond their capacity, and compelled to teach multiple classes/subjects (which sometimes, fell within the outskirts of their discipline). A lot of times, these enslaved teachers are owed their entitlements for months, but are still mandated to deliver their best on the toxic job! I guess, this shows to a large extent, the very little value we place on the noble teaching profession as a nation.

    As teachers remain hopeful for their reward in heaven (since the teaching profession has turned out to be the least avenue for wealth creation), can they at least make a decent living from their jobs (both at the public and private sectors) as the professionals they are for a change?

     

    • Nimi Princewill,

    princewill.nimi@yahoo.com

  • Lagos best teacher, administrator get N3.5m

    A lagos teacher, Oluremi Tanimola, has received two million naira for emerging the overall winner of the Inspirational School Leader of the year. Similarly, the duo of Ms. Odueke Abiodun and Mr Tolulope Odusanya pocketed one million and five hundred thousand naira for emerging overall best and first runner-up of the Inspirational Teacher of the year award respectively.

    The three teachers, who were treated to a lavish reception at the Harbour Point, Lagos, venue of the event, received their cheques at the maiden Meadow Hall Foundation’s Inspirational Teacher of the year award.

    Tanimola is from Army Children Senior High School, Ikeja Military Cantonment, Ikeja. Abiodun teaches at Station Junior Grammar School, Ifako Ijaiye, while Odunsanya is from Abibat Mogaji Millenium Senior Secondary School, Agege.

    The annual event is merit- based and aimed at elevating the teaching profession, as well as motivating teachers and educationl leaders for excellence. The award is divided into two categories: The Inspirational School Leader of the Year award and The Inspirational Teacher of the Year award.

    Tanimola, who addressed reporters at the event, attributed her success to being adventurous and a team player.

    “I am a team player, self-motivated and always learning something new, coupled with my ICT knowledge, made the difference. The desires to learn and do things differently are secrets of my outstanding performance,” Tanimola said.

    She advised her colleagues to always learn from others, be self-motivated, and ensure  continuous personal development.

    Head of Meadow Hall Foundation Mrs Kemi Adewoye, was full of praises for the recipients, who according to her, are working hard to improve children’s access to quality education amid difficult circumstances.

    She said: “One of the inspirational educators, Mrs. Oluremi Tanimola,  has been teaching for over 26 years. She is ICT-savvy and most importantly,  has retained her passion for education. Ms. Odueke Abiodun has taken her passion for the total development of the Nigerian child beyond the four walls of her classroom to her community where she teaches secondary school drop-outs and neighbouring schools about values and character, and connects them to mentors and vocational trainers who help them acquire skills. Mr. Tolulope Odunsanya, one of our inspirational educators, was shaped by a mentor and is now inspiring other teachers to be passionate and innovative just like he is.”

    She noted that the award was opened only to teachers and educators in Lagos State, adding that by 2018, the  foundation will extend the opportunity nationwide.

    The recipients, who were accompanied by colleagues, and well wishers, thanked the donor, colleagues, their school management and Lagos State government for giving them the opportunity to share their inspirational stories. Particularly, they thanked the foundation for its commitment, transparency and flawless selection process.

    “Lots of people think rewards of teachers are in heaven only, but this foundation has rewarded us while on earth,” Odunsanya said.

    Vice Chairman of the board of Meadow Hall Foundation Board, the corporate social responsibility arm of Meadow Hall Group, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, presented the cheques to the winners.

    He admonished them to continue to strive for excellence and join Meadow Hall Foundation’s Ambassadorial team to advocate quality education at all levels.

    Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who was also presented with the ‘Education Champion award in recognition of her immense contribution to quality education in the state. Adebule was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mrs. Yetunde  Odejayi.

    To also commemorate its 15th anniversary celebrations, Meadow Hall, presented long service awards to five of its workers, Mr. Taju Popoola; Mrs. Victoria Ikpe; Mrs. Akpan Mfon; Mrs. Delphine Nnakwe, and Ms Rita Ekpenyong, for exemplary  loyalty to the school.

  • NBL kicks off 2017 Maltina Teacher of the Year award

    Nigerian Breweries Plc (NBL) on Tuesday opened entries for this year’s edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Award.

    At the unveiling at the Eko Hotel&Sutes, Victoria Island, Lagos  on Tuesday, the firm’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Nikolaas Vervelde, recalled that the initiative, which began in 2015, is to recognise and celebrate exceptional teachers nationwide.

    It remains part of the organisation’s continuous commitment to the development of education in the country, Vervelde further explained.

    Represented by the firm’s Corporate Affairs Adviser, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Vervelde also stated that for the first time, the competition would be expanding its tentacles to accommodate teachers across private schools nationwide.

    According to him, the contest sponsored under the initiative of the Nigerian Breweries Felix Ohiwerel Education Trust Fund (NB-FO-ETF) intervention in the education sector, has brought about the construction of over 280 classrooms and 30 libraries in both primary and secondary schools across the 44 communities in Nigeria, in addition to impacting over 20, 000 students directly.

    He said the expansion of NB-FO-ETF birthed the Maltina teacher of the year, anchored on the fact that despite the sensitive role teachers play in moulding future leaders, they are often underestimated.

    According to him, collection of applications which opened on Tuesday, would last till Friday July 7, adding that interested teachers are to download application forms from the Maltina website -www.maltina-nigeria.com.

    Applications forms should be completed and uploaded to the website or sent by email to maltinateacheroftheyear@heineken.com or by post to P.M.B. 12632, Marina, Lagos.

    “As it was the case in the previous editions, all duly completed applications will be subjected to an intense selection and judging process. An external and independent panel of judges has been constituted to ensure transparency, credibility and objectivity of the initiative,” he added.

    He said the five-step evaluation process of entries received would result in 37 champions (one per state and the FCT), subject to entries meeting the threshold as set by the panel of judges. From among the states champions, the teacher of the year 2017 will emerge.

    He added that all state champions and winners would be rewarded at a grand ceremony on Thursday, October 12, to also commemorate the World Teachers’ Day.

    The Maltina Teacher of the Year Award has so far produced 42 state champions and two overall winners. The maiden winner was Mrs. Nkemdillim Obi of the Federal Government Girls College, Onitsha, Anambra State, while Mr. Imo Essien, a teacher at the Special Education Centre for Exceptional Children, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State who the subsequent edition.

  • Why schools must improve teacher’s education, by NCCE boss

    The Federal College of Education in Umunze, Anambra State, has held its 25th anniversary and 23rd convocation. At the event, stakeholders urged the Federal Government to elevate the college to a degree-awarding institution. 

    Based on its improved rating in technical knowledge and acclaimed academic excellence, the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Umunze, Anambra State, should be converted to a full-fledged University of Technical Education, former Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife has said.

    Ezeife urged the Federal Government to elevate the college to a degree awarding-institution, saying the move would widen students’ access to higher degrees in technical education and equip them with employable skills.

    The former governor made the appeal during the school’s silver jubilee anniversary, which was part of activities to mark its 23rd convocation of the college.

    Speaking on The nascent of Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze in the Southeast of Nigeria: The growth, impacts and strategic plans for tomorrow, Ezeife said the college stood a better chance of becoming a centre for excellent vocational and technical education in the region.

    The pioneer Provost and traditional ruler of Azia community, Prof Titus Eze, supported Ezeife’s call, saying the school would be a model University of Education.

    Also, former Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Prof Boniface Egboka, said the Federal Government needed to grant the college autonomy to award degree to satisfy the expectation of students.

    Prof Egboka, who chaired the college’s pre-convocation lecture, said the college witnessed improved infrastructure under the current management led by Prof Josephat Ogbuagu. He said the college had developed the capacity to become a university, with focus on vocational, technical and science training.

    Prof Ogbuagu noted that enrolment into the college increased progressively in the last five year, because of the introduction of the degree programme in affiliation with UNIZIK. He said the college’s employees showed exceptional dedication to train sound graduates of National Certificate in Education (NCE) and Professional Diploma in Education (PDE).

    “While we acknowledge and appreciate government’s efforts in improving the infrastructure in the college, it is necessary that we bring to your notice the needs for the college to meet up with provision of hostel accommodation for students, landscaping of the permanent site, revamping of campus roads,” he added.

    The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof Muhammadu Bappa-Aliyu, who was the guest lecturer at the pre-convocation event, stressed the need to focus on quality training to breed quality teachers for the change agenda of the Federal Government.

    Speaking on the theme: Qualitative teacher education and entrepreneurship in contemporary Nigerian society, Prof Bappa-Aliyu said Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TCRN) and other stakeholders must work out means of improving the position of teachers, noting that there was need for teachers with intellectual and professional background to add value to the profession. He said teachers must have a thorough knowledge of the subjects they teach in order not to misguide their students.

    He said: “A number of questions readily come to mind these days. Do teachers have a thorough knowledge of the subject they teach? Do teachers have a perfect command of the medium of instruction? Are they professionally trained for a classroom interaction with their students?

    To improve the quality of teacher education, schools must allow in-depth curriculum content, which are the basis for effective teachers and teaching.”

    He urged teachers to improve their knowledge to become authority in their chosen discipline. According to him, good teaching is the hallmark of teacher education.

    He said: “It is obvious that the progress of education requires that teachers should enjoy a moral and material status worthy of their mission. In some states of the federation and beyond, there is a problem in recruitment and retention in service of qualified teachers and this could be achieved only if the status of the profession is adequately recognised by teachers themselves, governments, education authorities and the public.

    “Teaching and learning should engage learners with big ideals, key processes or modes of discourse and narratives of subjects, so that learners can understand what constitutes quality and standards in particular domains. Schools must change today.”

    Others at the lecture included

  • Teacher’s kidnappers demand N20m

    The abductors of a teacher , Festus Oke, have demanded N20 million.

    Oke was kidnapped in the presence of his wife and mother on Monday on the Ikere-Ise Road in Ekiti State on his way to his station in Ado-Ekiti.

    Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) State Secretary Gbenga Ajibade said: “We learnt that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N20million.

    “We want to beg the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the government to come to our aid.”

    Police spokesperson Alberto Adeyemi said: “We have begun investigations. Action is being taken for the safe release of the victim.”

  • SUV, $3,000 for ‘diligent’ teacher

    SUV, $3,000 for ‘diligent’ teacher

    A lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) in Kwara State, Mr. Jimoh Olorede, has been presented with an Hyundai Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and $3,000 as reward for making life better for the downtrodden. He was honoured by Helping Hands International, a non-governmental organisation. KAZEEM YEKEEN (HND II Mass Communication) reports.

    When he resumed for work penultimate Thursday, Mr Jimoh Olorede, a lecturer at the Mass Communication Department of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) in Kwara State, never knew he would return home with some “precious gifts”.

    Moments before noon, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) Helping Hands International (H2i), which Olorede joined in 2014 as volunteer, visited the school to present him a brand new Hyundai Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). He got the SUV for volunteering to participate in the organisation’s activities.

    Olorede was full of smiles as he received the key to the SUV and a $3,000 cheque at a ceremony held at ODU Hall. The event also featured presentation of award to all best students of the polytechnic.

    At the ceremony where the SUV and cash were presented to Olorede was the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Ojaja, who led his chiefs to the ceremony. Others dignitaries included H2i ambassadors, Obionna Ngoka and Ezechukwu Ifeoma, Head of Mass Communication Department, Mr David Oloyede, lecturers and students.

    Olorede described the gifts as ‘precious’, saying he never expected he would be rewarded for his selfless engagement with the NGO.

    He said: “I am the happiest man today. I never expected these rewards. I had joined the organisation as a volunteer in 2014 out of the desire to give back to the less privileged and the downtrodden. I became the leader of the NGO, representing Kwara State. Through my activities, I have empowered people, especially the less privileged and widows.”

    Olorede said he joined the NGO with the intention to give back to the society, having got scholarship all through his academic career.

    He said: “I have benefited from scholarship all my life. Since I started studying from National Diploma (ND) to Master’s level, I received scholarship offered by people, who did not know me. I am presently studying for my PhD and it is through scholarship. I didn’t know my selfless activities would be rewarded this way.

    “I joined the organisation like every other person and went through stages. There is no membership fee for anyone who wants to join, except a donation of $40. When I joined the NGO, the exchange rate was fair and anyone could afford it. It was N6,600 after the conversion. Despite the higher exchange rate, the NGO did not change the fee in local currency.”

    The NGO, in its letter to the Rector, Dr Abdulateef Olatunji, said it would pay the tuition and hostel fees of the school’s best students. The organisation requested the school to forward certificate of evidence for the scholarship.

    Some of the best students, who benefited from the award included  Nusirat Adeleye in HND II Food Technology, Fisayo Aderibigbe in HND II Mass Communication, Abdulahi Lawal in HND II Mechanical Engineering, Seyi Adesanya in Accountancy and Damilare Ajiboye in HND II Quantity Surveying.

    The NGO is an international humanitarian organisation committed to touching lives and empowering people. Through its global fund for humanitarian services and the incentives, the NGO has rewarded members by giving them referral bonus, laptops, vehicle, international trips and empowerment, among others.