A United Kingdom-based lecturer and researcher, Dr. Obinna Otuu, has called on governments at all levels and Nigerians in general to pay more attention to the needs, welfare, and appreciation of teachers and the impact of those in the teaching profession.
Otuu, who operates a research hub known as *Bestob Education and Research*, called for the need to prioritize teachers’ welfare and improve learning facilities in the nation’s basic schools and universities.
Dr. Obinna Otuu, a lecturer at Swansea University, United Kingdom, made the call during a summit organized to celebrate teachers in the State, tagged *“Ebonyi Teachers First”* in Abakaliki.
Otuu noted that investing in teachers remains the best approach to achieving standardization in Nigeria’s educational system.
He expressed worry over the way teachers have not been receiving empowerment and adequate training for career growth, urging all hands to be on deck.
“Teachers need some of these basic needs to enhance their career and teaching – food, clothing, and shelter. How many teachers across states can boast of having a house or land?” the researcher asked.
He added that there is always a need to recognize teachers as the drivers and “brain boxes” of society. To honor this, his team splashed *₦1 million* as a gift to *Mrs. Alice Awaza*, the oldest teacher at the programme. She, who currently teaches at Ohofia Community Primary School, Ukawu, in Onicha LGA of Ebonyi, has served for 32 years. Awaza started her teaching career in 1992.
Our correspondent reports that nine other teachers from different primary and secondary schools each received an HP laptop to support their teaching.
Also speaking, Prof Daniel Nwibo, Provost, College of Health Science, Ebonyi state University (EBSU) said that teachers deserve better condition of services, not only in the state but Nigeria at large.
Nwibo described teachers as "Builder" of the society.
Prof Godwin Onu, Lecturer, Political Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, who spoke on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) said it was necessary to address the challenges of ICT in teaching processes in the country.
Onu noted that ICT could make teaching and learning easier and help in bringing more access to global knowledge in educational system.
"Students get learning updates easier. So, government need to enhance teachers capacity through ICT and to enable them meet the global trend in teaching and learning," he said.
One of the participants, Awaza, the Oldest Teacher thanked the organiser and urged for more advanced training for members in the rural communities.
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