Emmanuel lkpeama
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo CFR, has commended the critical role teachers play in shaping society, particularly in the nation-building process.
Governor Soludo made this recognition during the celebration of World Teachers’ Day, held at the Teachers’ House in Awka on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
In his keynote address, Governor Soludo, a staunch advocate for quality education, aligned with this year’s theme, “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.”
He lauded the immeasurable contributions of teachers to the nation’s development, emphasizing their influence on molding future leaders.
The Governor also extolled the resilience and dedication of teachers, particularly during periods when they lacked substantial support before his administration. He acknowledged how they embraced innovative teaching methods to ensure that education thrived despite numerous challenges.
Reflecting on the state of teachers’ welfare before his tenure, Soludo expressed satisfaction with the remarkable improvements made so far and encouraged the teachers to maintain the momentum.
“It is our duty to value, respect, and celebrate the contributions of our educators. Their role in mentoring and guiding the younger generation is indispensable. We owe them immense gratitude for their selfless service,” the Governor stated.
“In Anambra, we continue to lead in educational performance and learning outcomes. Public school enrolment has increased by 18 percent, and we remain the state with the lowest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. We will continue to set the standard.
“Education is the bridge to the future. Teachers are the ones holding both the padlock and the keys to that bridge,” he remarked.
The Governor urged teachers to embody the change they wish to see, reminding them of the profound impact their actions have on students.
“The children in your care learn more from what you do than from what you say,” he added, recalling how his teachers left lasting impressions on him.
Governor Soludo seized the opportunity to engage directly with the teachers, listening to their challenges and reaffirming the State’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for educators to thrive.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Chika Chukwudozie, eulogized the Governor for his remarkable achievements across various sectors, particularly in education.
Comrade Chukwudozie further reaffirmed the Union’s unwavering support for Soludo’s administration, despite the overwhelming challenges facing society today.
Present at the event were the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh; the Chairpersons of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board and the Post Primary School Service Commission, Dr. Nkiru Nwadinobi and Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, respectively; Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme; and the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke, among many distinguished educators.
