…………..calls for specific awards for excellence in teaching.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, has extolled the invaluable contributions of teachers who, through their dedication and commitment, have helped to shape the future of the society and acknowledged them as the bedrock upon which a prosperous and progressive society is built.
Mrs Walson-Jack, stated this in a goodwill message delivered at the 2024 World Teacher’s Day Commemoration and President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award Ceremony with the theme: Valuing Teachers Voices: Towards a new Social Contract for Education over the weekend in Abuja.
The HCSF also commended the integration of the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award into the event, which she said are a fitting recognition of the exceptional efforts of teachers, administrators, and schools nationwide, who have dedicated themselves to providing quality education to the Nigerian children.
The HCSF noted that rewarding excellence in teaching is crucial because it inspires educators to go beyond the ordinary, set benchmarks of success, and showcases the immense value placed on education.
In her words, “When teachers are appreciated and acknowledged for their hard work, creativity, and commitment, they are empowered to continue shaping lives with passion and innovation.”
The HCSF appealed to individuals, public and private sector organisations to create and sustain specific awards at local, state and national levels for excellence in teaching. She added that such Awards should highlight outstanding contributions, innovative methods, and impactful mentoring. She assured that the recognitions would motivate individual teachers and set standards for professional excellence nationwide.
Mrs Walson-Jack also advised that the recognition and awards of excellence for teachers should not only be limited to the Teachers’ Commemoration Day alone but should also be an on-going national priority. “Let us continue to honour, reward, and invest in our teachers, for in their hands lies the future of our great nation.” she added.
In addition, Walson-Jack counseled that the awards should be supported by tangible incentives and opportunities for professional development and ensure that the best educators are equipped to meet the ever-evolving challenges of the modern classroom.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, while acknowledging the challenges faced by teachers in discharging their duties, reassured that the administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that teachers welfare in particular and quality education in the country is achieved.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of car gifts under the Presidential Awards by the Federal government in different categories to best teachers, administrators, and schools.
Dignitaries at the event included: Governors of Kano, Kebbi, Borno, Oyo, Benue, and Enugu States, who also received awards from the National Union of Teachers (NUT), for their immense contributions to the development of education and well-being of teachers in their various states.
Eno Olotu (Mrs) mnipr
Head, Information and Public Relations
