World Teachers’ Day: Federal Government Pledges Better Welfare, Support

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare and recognition of teachers across Nigeria as the nation joined the global community to mark the 2025 World Teachers’ Day.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, stated this on Monday during a symposium ahead of the World Teachers Day celebration on Sunday.

The theme for the 2025 celebration is “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated globally every October 5 to honour teachers and recognise their vital contributions to education and society.

The day was first proclaimed in 1994 by UNESCO, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Education International (EI), and UNICEF, following the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the status of Teachers.

Speaking, the Minister described teachers as the custodians of knowledge, the builders of character, and the architects of national future.

He hailed teachers as the foundation of every profession, stressing that their sacrifices keep the country alive. “Honestly, you have the most important and the best profession in the country. Who makes a doctor? Who makes an engineer? Who makes a professor? It is the teacher. That is why government is working assiduously to come up with better packages for you. Light is at the end of the tunnel.

“For too long, teaching has often been practiced in isolation. But when teachers collaborate, students are the ultimate beneficiaries. They receive richer, more engaging instruction and witness firsthand the power of teamwork and shared responsibility,” he stated.

He further assured teachers that the government was determined to provide the recognition, training, and support they needed to thrive. “When you want the highest quality of education, what do you need? A high-quality teacher. And when you want a high-quality teacher, what should you do? Give them the recognition, the support, the training, and the cooperation that they need,” he added.

The Minister commended teachers for producing world-class graduates who continue to excel globally. “Anywhere in the world, when they say a Nigerian student becomes a professional, they do so well. That’s the output of your work. We know we can’t pay you enough, but be proud of yourselves. On behalf of the President, I commend you for your sacrifices, your diligence, and your commitment to building our nation,” he added.