Education
The Teacher We Need
One piece of writing that captured my fancy this season was that composed by a renowned writer of our time, Abel Peter, Peter in his work “Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: World Teachers’ Day,” said “The world is evolving at a pace that seems almost surreal. Technological advancements, societal shifts, and the ever-growing pool of information — it is a lot to keep up with. Yet, in the midst of this whirlwind, teachers stand strong. They are the lighthouses, steering ships through the stormy seas of knowledge.” Wow! These are indeed virtues the society is yet to acknowledge and perhaps reward accordingly. But the question is what happens when the number of lighthouses starts dwindling?
Going through Abel Peter’s line of thought in his piece, any follower of events and happenings in the education sector, would agree that the theme of 2023 World Teachers’ Day; “The Teachers We Need for the Education we want: the global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage,” takes us to the heart of a global concern —the abundance of impostors in the field of teaching without the requisite know-how for knowledge impartation as well as character moulding and transformation which are the hallmarks of the teachers the society needs. The poor state of the Nigerian economy, has caused so much holes in the wall of education by letting the core teachers leave the field in search of greener pastures thereby creating vacancies for charlatans to occupy all in a bid to secure employment in the absence of one in their area of specialty.
Inundating the teaching profession with “people without the passion and patience for teaching experience” is tantamount to exposing the child to a world without a guardian, inspirator, and one to share the joy of discovery. It is a world we do not want to imagine because, without teachers, there is no education. It is like a symphony without a conductor. Becoming a teacher goes beyond securing a job instead of staying idle, it is a calling, it is about shaping minds, moulding futures, and being the change you want to see in the world.
The lack of recognition of people in this profession is the reason for the brain-drain in this area as well as the challenges that come with the territory. It must be made clear that teaching is a labour the society owes to appreciate. It is time we recognised and appreciated our educators not just in words but in actions. It is time to celebrate the profession for what it truly is — a beacon of hope. Imagine being the reason a child falls in love with numbers, with words, with the wonders of science. Imagine being the reason a child falls head over heels for numbers, for words, for the wonders of science. Teaching is not confined to the subjects you teach; it is about the lives you touch. It is about being a mentor, a guide, and sometimes, a shoulder to lean on. It is about instilling values, inspiring dreams, and creating a ripple effect that transcends generations.
Imagine a world where every child has a mentor, a guide, and a friend in their teacher. It is not just wishful thinking; it is a vision we can turn into reality. We can make the celebration of teachers a regular thing by supporting and investing in education, recognising that teachers are the cornerstone of a brighter future for all and by becoming the teachers of the future. Together, we can ensure that the teacher we need continues to inspire and guide us toward a more enlightened and inclusive world. Furthermore, the teacher we need is a lifelong learner. They recognise that knowledge is ever-expanding, and they lead by example in their pursuit of continuous learning. They inspire curiosity and critical thinking in their students, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Inclusive education is at the heart of the teacher we need. They embrace diversity and create inclusive classrooms where every student feels valued and respected. By fostering an environment of inclusivity, teachers empower their students to appreciate differences and develop a global perspective. Often, their efforts go unnoticed or are undervalued.
It is essential that we recognise and appreciate their hard work and commitment to the betterment of society. Let us remember that the teacher we need is not just a figure in the classroom but a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a guardian of knowledge. They are the unsung heroes who shape the future generation, moulding them into responsible citizens who will carry the torch of progress and enlightenment. In conclusion, let us honour and appreciate the teachers in our lives for their invaluable contributions. “The Teacher We Need,” invites us to explore the profound impact educators have on our lives and the qualities that make them indispensable. In an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting educational landscapes, the role of a teacher has evolved far beyond the confines of a classroom.
Today, teachers are not just conveyors of knowledge; they are mentors, facilitators, and influencers who inspire and guide students on their journeys to becoming informed, engaged, and responsible global citizens. One crucial aspect of “The Teacher We Need” is adaptability. In the face of constant change, teachers must be flexible and innovative, adapting their teaching methods to cater to the diverse needs of their students. The modern teacher embraces technology, integrating it seamlessly into the learning process while preserving the essence of human connection. Empathy and understanding are qualities that define the ideal teacher. In a world filled with complexities and challenges, teachers serve as anchors of emotional support for their students. They not only educate but also nurture the emotional well-being of their students, helping them navigate the ups and downs of life.
Thus, the theme of this year is not just a call to action; it is a siren wailing in our ears, urging us to wake up to the reality — a world on the brink of an education crisis due to shortage of teachers. The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage is more than a theme; it is a rallying cry for change, for a brighter future, and for a world where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Therefore, it is not just an issue of concern for the education sector alone, it is a societal responsibility.
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
The Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, Alabo David Briggs and his Post Primary Schools Board, counterpart, Dr. Sam Emejuru recently embarked on a joint visit to Model Girls Secondary School, Mbodo Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Arera of Rivers State.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after interacting with the students, Alabo Briggs said both of them were in the school to know how the students are faring, how happy they are, and to also know their areas of need and then take pragmatic decisions that would enhance the wellbeing of the students.
Describing the school as the only boarding school in Rivers State made up of Senior and Junior Secondary, the UBE boss said the visit has actually afforded them the opportunity to know what is lacking in the school, and promised that every machinery would be adequately put in place to ensure that the school is made more attractive and students well taken care of.
He further maintained that the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and staff of the school must rise to the occasion so as to bring back the lost glory of the school and ensure that the students are treated and well handled like their own children.
Corroborating the UBE boss, Dr. Sam Emejuru of the Post Primary School promised that everything possible would be done to reposition the school, and appealed to all concerned to be patient.
During the visit, the two Board chairmen and their members met with the school authorities wherein issues bordering on the school were discreetly ironed out and some good changes made.
Alabo Briggs also gave cash to some of the students that performed well in the essay competition that took place in Port Harcourt.
The students were also given cartons of sanitary pads to mark the International Day of the Girl Child which was celebrated all over the world recently.
By: Akujobi Amadi
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) support programme on report writing for Chief Supervisors and Evaluators of the Local Government Areas took place recently at the UBE Board Headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Addressing the participants, the Board member in charge of Supervision/Monitoring, Chief Nwuke Anucha, described the programme as very interesting and educative as it is aimed at broadening the knowledge of the Chief Supervisors and Evaluators on report writing.
While thanking UBEC for the initiative, Chief Anucha also commended the resource persons who came from UBEC Abuja for doing a good job and appealed to the participants to see the support programme on report writing as an opportunity to do better.
Also speaking, the Board member, Project/Technical, Dr. Walson Ominini described the programme as a good one that all the participants must take seriously for the good of Rivers State.
Ominini used the medium to announce the personnel audit for staff of the Local Government Education Authorities in the three Senatorial zones coming up next week at the Board Headquarters adding that any staff of the LGEA who does not take part in the Audit should regard himself or herself as not being a staff of UBE.
In her vote of thanks, the Director, Quality Assurance, Mrs. Nnenna Osumenya thanked UBEC for the programme, and described it as a welcomed development.
She particularly thanked the Executive Chairman of the Board, Alabo David Briggs and the Board members for giving the programme the needed attention.
By: Akujobi Amadi
In cognizance of the value of reading in educational, career and knowledge pursuits, TotalEnergies Joint Venture(JV) Asset has committed itself to instilling the habit in students of secondary schools to enable them succeed in their academic pursuits and become good leaders of tommorow.
This, it is achieving through its Annual Book Reading and Open Day programme.
This year’s event, organised for Senior Secondary Schools in Rivers State,with the theme, ‘The World Is A Maze; Navigate It — Read’ and held at the Event Centre, TotalEnergies Office, PortHarcourt, explored the book, ‘Unexpected Joy At Dawn’ by Ghanaian author, Alex Agyei Agyiri.
Participating schools chosen across Port Harcourt included Government Technical College, PortHarcourt; Bishop Crowther Memorial Secondary School, Rumuobiakani; Oginigba Comprehensive Secondary School; Community Secondary School, Rumuomasi, and Hilltop Prime International College.
Others were Community Secondary School, Amadi-Ama; Government Senior Secondary School, Elekahia; Community Secondary School, Nkpogu; Dietams International Schools; and Community Secondary School, Abuloma.
In his address, the Deputy Managing Director, Joint Venture Asset, TotalEnergies EP, Nigeria Limited, Olivier Cassassoles, said reading habit remains a major essential needed for life’s development in information, direction and character building, and stressed the need for the students, many of whom he said would grow to become leaders to cultivate and sustain the culture.
Cassassoles, who was represented by the Executive Director, JV Asset, PortHarcourt, Obi Imemba, quoted former American President, Barack Obama’s words, “reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible” and stated that “this clearly aligns with the theme of the day and implies that in order to successfully navigate the complexities of life, one needs to read”.
Cassassoles said “as students, many of you will grow to be leaders and leaders need a lot of information to stay relevant. The books you read will shape your future and through them you will find wisdom to make a difference”.
According to him, the book reading event is one that the company holds dear to heart as it promotes the culture of reading among students in Nigeria.
While encouraging the students to make conscientious effort to research good books with themes and characters that align with what they intend to do in future, Cassassoles expressed the hope that the students would commit themselves to a life of reading, adding that “I expect that you will be leaving here with a clearer idea of the career path you want to pursue “.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy Chinedum Chukwuma, described this year’s theme as ‘most appropriate’ at a time when students have abandoned the text book for not only the phone – Whatsapp, Twitter etcetera but other vices.
Represented by the Technical Adviser to the Commissioner, Dr Joy Nwamaka Joseph, Chukwuma noted that reading is an effective tool for engaging students in critical thinking, saying “a student that reads focuses attention on the task at hand, immersing them in information and improving his/her concentration and memory”, insisting that students must read in order to navigate this maze-like world successfully.
The Commissioner commended TotalEnergies for “always seeking to improve the educational standards of our pupils, students, under/post graduates in our institutions and for inspiring them to develop the habit of reading as a life style”.
Earlier, the Country Communications Manager, TotalEnergies, Charles Ebereonwu, revealed that the annual reading event is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) targeted at making the best of future leaders.
In his closing remarks, the Special Adviser, People and Talent Management, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, Samuel Nkwo, lauded the students for going beyond reading the book to taking lessons there from.
“What has happened here today has given us encouragement that this is a good thing to do and that we should continue to do it” Nkwo said.
Highlights of the event included reading and discussion of the book, ‘Unexpected Joy At Dawn’, questions and answers session and presentation of gift items including school bags, solar lamps, books among others to the students.
By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu