Teachers across the globe were yesterday celebrated to mark the World Teachers Day. Every October 5 is set aside to celebrate them for the invaluable contributions they make towards moulding the minds of children.
This year’s celebration had ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ as its theme.
In Nigeria, First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Education Minister and state governors showered praises on teachers while advocating better remuneration, improved working conditions, and reforms to attract more young people into the profession
In her message, the First Lady described teachers as ‘true heroes’ who shape minds, nurture dreams, and guide generations.
She eulogized educators across the country, acknowledging their invaluable role in nation-building and the future of humanity.
‘Teachers are true heroes, shaping minds, nurturing dreams, and guiding generations,’ she said.
Mrs. Tinubu noted that as a lifelong teacher herself, she holds deep respect for the profession and those who dedicate their lives to it.
The First Lady said the theme of this year’s celebration: ‘Focusing on the Global Teacher Shortage’, is a timely reminder of the urgent need to address the dwindling number of teachers worldwide.
She called for an urgent solution to the current teacher shortage, saying it is a challenge that must be confronted with seriousness.
Mrs. Tinubu noted that this would be achieved by empowering educators, investing in their professional development, and encouraging more young people to pursue teaching as a noble profession.
‘The shortage of teachers is a challenge we must confront with urgency, by empowering educators, investing in their growth, and inspiring more to join this noble profession,’ she stated.
Senator Tinubu, who praised teachers everywhere, urged Nigerians to recognise their efforts not just in classrooms but also in shaping the moral and intellectual foundation of society
‘As a lifelong teacher myself, I salute you all on this special day. Happy World Teachers’ Day 2025,’ Mrs. Tinubu added.
Federal Government seeks teachers’ collaboration
Calling for strengthened collaboration to deliver quality education, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, commended all stakeholders for the positive milestones achieved nationwide.
‘I implore community leaders, teacher unions, parents, and development partners to strengthen their efforts so that together we can effectively deliver on the promises of the Education for Renewed Hope Agenda and the Education targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4),’ the minister said the theme resonated with Nigeria’s education reform agenda.
‘Our experience has shown that when teachers are supported to work together through peer mentoring, joint lesson planning, co-teaching, and the use of digital platforms, learning outcomes improve, and teachers themselves experience professional growth and fulfillment,’ the minister said.
According to Alausa, the ministry has initiated policies to revitalise the teaching profession including the National Teacher Policy which ensures that teachers are professionally empowered and motivated.
He added: ‘Peer support structures are being encouraged at school and zonal levels nationwide. The sector is also leveraging ICT to connect teachers across states and provide access to global best practices.
‘We have a robust continuous professional development opportunity through the Teachers Registration Council (TRCN) of Nigeria, National Teachers Institute (NTI) and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The current situation being that TRCN concentrates on licensing, monitoring compliance to standards, registration and regulating the teaching profession while NTI focus and sustain in-service teacher training and continuous professional development at the basic and post-basic levels.
‘Teaching is often viewed as an individual practice, which can make some teachers resist collaboration for fear of interference or added workload. To address this, it is essential to build and sustain a culture of trust, openness, and shared responsibility.
‘We must note that teachers shape all other professionals working behind closed classroom doors with little exchange of ideas, experiences, or support. Today, as education faces increasing demands and rapid change, the role of the teacher has evolved to become collaborative.
‘A collaborative teacher understands that education is not an individual task but a shared responsibility. Such a teacher freely shares lesson plans, resources, and teaching strategies, while remaining humble enough to learn from others. They demonstrate strong communication skills while showing a willingness to build consensus even when opinions differ.
‘Above all, they are committed to lifelong professional growth, both for their personal advancement and for the enrichment of the wider teaching community,’ he said.
Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad said the ministry was strengthening teacher collaboration through initiatives such as the National Teacher Development Policy (2022), the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, and the promotion of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) across schools.
According to her, these efforts are in line with the government’s commitment to raising teacher quality, professional pride, and overall learning outcomes.
ASUSS applauds tuition free technical education
In its message, the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) praised the tuition-free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme as a model of effective partnership between policy and practice, commending the federal ministry not education for including ASUSS representatives in the expanded Governing Council of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
ASUSS President, Comrade Sola Adigun, also decried the failure of 16 states to implement the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022 despite court rulings.
Adigun recognised states like Ekiti and Bayelsa for pioneering tuition-free technical education, while applauding governments that respect teachers’ right to freely associate with ASUSS.
He called for collaboration by all stakeholders to save the country’s education sector, describing it as ‘ailing’.
He also highlighted challenges such as examination malpractice, poor welfare, decaying infrastructure, and insecurity in schools, noting the urgent need for unity in tackling them.
‘Teaching has never been a job for lone rangers. The progress of a child is determined not by the teacher alone, but also by parents, policymakers, communities, and government. True collaboration gives teachers a voice in shaping the future of education,’ he added.
He criticised the hurried implementation of the new 9-year Basic Education Curriculum without adequate teacher training or resources.
‘Ambition without preparation breeds failure. Where are the trained teachers? Where are the teaching tools?’ he asked.
Adigun called on states yet to establish Senior Secondary Education Boards to do so urgently, recruit more qualified teachers, and ensure teachers’ welfare is protected. He also renewed the demand for ASUSS’s trade union certificate, approved 17 years ago but still withheld.
He pledged that ASUSS will continue to support the TRCN registration policy, noting that professional certification enhances dignity and competence
Edo absorbs 4,000 volunteers, recruits 500 others
In Edo State, the government announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme, adding that 500 new educators would be employed to strengthen the state’s education system.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, made the announcement in Benin City, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Iyamu said the initiative reflected Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to rewarding dedication and addressing the shortage of teachers in public schools. He explained that letters of appointment would be presented to the 4,000 EdoStar volunteer teachers on October 15, marking the end of their three-year probation period.
The commissioner added that the absorption of volunteer teachers and recruitment of 500 more would bridge the manpower gap in schools across the state.
‘Even an apprentice does not train for three years without confirmation,’ he said, adding that the appointments would be officially handed out at a ceremony in Government House.
Iyamu also revealed that the government had built over 68 schools in less than a year and trained more than 6,000 teachers in digital and technical skills, including robotics and artificial intelligence, to improve classroom delivery. ‘When we build schools without teachers, they are just empty buildings. We are investing in people who will shape our children’s future,’ he noted.
He further announced that the government had institutionalised a Teachers’ Fitness Day to be marked every October 4 to promote teachers’ well-being, as well as a Best Teacher Award for outstanding performance to be held annually on November 25.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Edo Wing, Bernard Ajobiewe, commended the government for implementing the N75,000 minimum wage, promoting teachers, and renovating schools. He, however, called for more teachers to be deployed to rural areas where shortages are most severe.
Ajobiewe expressed concern over the poor state of infrastructure in many rural schools and urged the government to ensure the payment of accrued financial benefits for promoted teachers. He also opposed the proposed return of schools to missionaries, warning that it could lead to inequities and limit access for children from marginalised backgrounds.
Chairperson of SUBEB, Mrs. Ebanehita Omonzane, praised teachers for their patience and integrity, describing them as true nation builders.
Taraba teachers demand career rise to Grade Level 17
In Taraba State, teachers demanded career progression to Grade Level 17 (Permanent Secretaries) as applicable to their colleagues in the civil service.
State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers {NUT), Comrade Solomon Nathan, who made the call while speaking on the theme: ‘Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow’, noted the need for their service and commitment to be recognised.
‘Let qualified teachers be considered and appointed as Permanent Secretaries in the state, just as it is done in other sectors, because teachers too have the capacity and experience to lead at the highest administrative levels,’ he said.
He commended the governor for providing welfare for teachers but emphasised the need to prioritise education through better learning condition, recruitment of more qualified teachers and upskilling of existing ones through retraining..
In her speech, the State Commissioner of Education, Dr Augustina Yahaya. who represented Governor Agbu Kefas, assured the teachers that their welfare remains a priority to the government. She added that the government was investing on infrastructure in the schools.
Yahaya said: ‘The issue of implementing your promotion remains a burden in our hearts. We are here to prioritize the welfare of teachers.
‘We are building new schools. NUT, SUBEB and the Post Primary Schools Board; let us sit down and see how teachers can reach the level of Permanent Secretary. This is an education and teacher friendly governor’.
Radda praises Katsina teachers’ resilience
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, commended teachers in the state for their resilience and professionalism.
He described them as the cornerstone of educational development and nation-building, whose dedication and sacrifices continue to shape the future of the state and country.
The governor said: ‘Teaching is not a solitary endeavor. It thrives on collaboration, mutual support and the collective commitment of all stakeholders to create enabling environments where our children can learn and excel.’
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting collaborative teaching approaches through continuous professional development, modern infrastructure, digital learning tools, and platforms that encourage peer learning and knowledge sharing among teachers.
‘We’re committed to teachers welfare’
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to teachers’ welfare,
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, emphasized that the timely payment of salaries, entitlements, and other benefits remains a top priority.
Sule spoke through the Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Kassim Muh’d, in Lafia, hailing teachers as role models and builders of future leaders. He urged them to uphold professionalism, discipline, and moral integrity while embracing continuous self-improvement and effective lesson delivery.
Dr. Kassim also unveiled a new initiative tagged the ‘A.A. Sule Leave No Child Behind Project,’ aimed at expanding access to quality basic education and ensuring that every child of school age in the state is enrolled and learning.
Cash gifts for two outstanding public school teachers in Lagos
To mark the day, a consumer finance company, Page Financials, celebrated two public school teachers whose commitment to their calling inspire hope and transformation in the country’s education sector against the odds.
Through a public nomination campaign, the company identified two deserving educators, Mrs. Ipinlola Olaiya of Ago Iwoye Methodist Primary School, Ebute Meta, and Mr. Fashina of Anglican Comprehensive High School, Ipaja. Each received a N100,000 cash gift during surprise visits to their respective schools.
Mrs. Olaiya, who began her teaching career in 1991, became emotional as she received the award, noting that she had been ‘trusting God for financial support.’ Her humility and long service moved both colleagues and Page Financials’ representatives present at the event.
At Anglican Comprehensive High School, Creative Arts teacher, Fashina, who has taught for over 24 years, reacted with disbelief and gratitude, shouting ‘Jesus!’ upon learning he was one of the recipients. He revealed that his mobility aid had broken down, and the gift came at a time of great personal need.
The school’s principal, Venerable Adeniji, praised the company’s gesture, describing Fashina as ‘a teacher who has won Best Teacher of the Year in the school more than twice; a true role model.’ He added that such recognition motivates teachers to remain passionate about their work.
Ola Moses, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Page Financials, said the initiative aligned with the company’s mission to empower everyday heroes. ‘Teachers build the foundation of our society, yet their sacrifices often go unnoticed. At Page, we’re committed to celebrating and empowering those who empower others,’ he stated.
Kosofe LG reaffirms commitment to teachers’ welfare
Teachers were also celebrated by the chairman, Kosofe LGA of Lagos State, Moyosore Ogunlewe, who pledged his administration’s resolve to prioritise their welfare and professional development. He pledged continued support through conducive learning environments, adequate resources, and progressive policies.
Ogunlewe commended teachers’ collaboration with colleagues, parents, and communities, noting that teamwork and shared expertise are vital for transforming education and ensuring sustained excellence in Kosofe.