By Chigozie Uzosike,Owerri
A International Non-Governmental and charity organization, “THE STRIVAD FOUNDATION (TSF)” has given award of recognition to three Nigerian teachers who have distinguished themselves in the profession in public schools across Nigeria especially their dedication and commitment to the advancement of education in the country.
Speaking during the official award presentation ceremony of the TSF-Nze Sir Raphael O. Iro Memorial Teacher’s Merit Award held over the weekend, at the TSF Programs Office Owerri Imo State, the Director, Programs Development, Dr. Sir Tobias Nwokocha noted that the award which comes yearly seeks to recognize serving and retired teachers for their contributions and commitment in raising and impacting their generations.
“The Foundation is committed to enhancing human capacity and community development.
“We recognize that teachers are not supposed to go unsung because the society is what it is today given the contributions of teachers. They should be celebrated and not neglected”.
“The Foundation instituted the teachers merit award to immortalize the noble efforts they are making in/for the society.
“The selection of the successful recipients of the award went through stringent measures by educational experts. The nominations were investigated upon to ensure that committed teachers were selected”.he said
Nwokocha urged the recipients to live out the spirit of the award by being dedicated to their chosen profession of raising leaders, shun exam malpractice that demeans the quality of education and shun truancy.
He said, “The collateral Nigeria is paying for the damage half baked education has caused is high”
According to Nwokocha, “It has over the years continued to bring succor especially to the downtrodden and has gone further to institute the annual teacher’s merit award to encourage hard work and dedication to the teaching profession as well as promote learning in Nigeria”.
He said the award is being sponsored by the TSF Founder/President, who is a Nigerian – German Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, HRtn. Amb. High Chief Dr. Uche Iro.
The award is to commemorate his late father Nze Sir Raphael O. Iro who was a seasoned and hardworking teacher and school administrator.
He encouraged the recipients of the award not to work against the spirit of the award. “The award which comes with handsome financial support is a way the foundation gives back to the society for the sacrifices made by teachers”.
Investigator news reports that the recipients of the award included:Mrs Chinyere Iweajunwa of Oboama Secondary School Ezinihitte Mbaise, Mr. Gabriel Eluwa of Government Technical College (GTC) Owerri and Mr. Christopher Opara of Owerri City School, Owerri all from different public schools in the country.
One of the recipients, Mr. Gabriel Eluwa who is the Electronics teacher of Government Technical College Owerri noted that they will be spurred to keep the spirit of dedication and commitment on the award.
He noted, “education of a nation cannot be higher than the quality of teachers. He lauded the foundation for the award and pledged to improved pedagogical experience”.
“The Foundation is an international non-governmental and non-profit organisation rendering humanitarian services especially in the rural areas such as community development, educational scholarship, women and youth empowerment through education or business entrepreneurship, provision and rehabilitation of basic amenities in the rural areas”,he stated.
