In a notable effort to drive change in the Nigerian education sector, the ”Teachers Aid Foundation” (TAF), in collaboration with Kings College British American Institute and the British American Open University of California, held a prestigious award ceremony in Abuja.
With the themed “Empowering Educators: Strengthening Resilience, Building Sustainability, “focused on recognizing outstanding contributions to education and advancing the competence of teachers and schools across Nigeria.
The gathering saw the presentation of the ”Nigerian Advocates of Education Awards”, honoring individuals and organizations committed to improving the quality of education in the country.
In an interview with Honorable Dr. Stephen Osadebe, President of the Teachers Aid Foundation, spoke passionately about the foundation’s goals and the process of selecting the award recipients. Dr. Osadebe noted that the awardees were chosen based on their dedication to promoting educational development, which aligns with the foundation’s vision.
“These individuals embody the essence of our mission to upgrade teachers’ competence and enhance learners’ academic performance across the country, “he call on all Nigerians to support the government in achieving these objectives for the betterment of our education system.”
Also addressing the Challenges in Education Dr. Hannah Apapai, another keynote speaker at the event, highlighted the pressing challenges facing the foundation and teachers in Nigeria. She pointed out that despite efforts to improve education much more needs to be done to address the issues hindering progress.
“Teachers in Nigeria face numerous challenges, from inadequate resources to low morale,” Dr. Apapai remarked. “We need parents, policymakers, and education practitioners to join forces in advancing the standards of education.”
She also outlined several strategies for overcoming these hurdles, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between teachers, parents, and schools.
Professor Paul Godwin, who also spoke at the event, stressed the importance of thoughtful deliberation before passing the National Educational Policy into law. He urged the government to avoid rushing the policy approval process without consulting all stakeholders involved in education.
“The education system needs careful planning,” Prof. Godwin said. “We cannot afford to rush this policy through without the necessary input from teachers, school administrators, and innovators who have fresh ideas for moving education forward.”
He also provided additional insights into the selection process for the awardees, ensuring transparency and recognition for those making a genuine impact on the education landscape.
The Vice Chancellor of the Teachers Aid Foundation Dr. David Dale, discussed the importance of encouraging young Nigerians to pursue careers in education. He emphasized the need for strong incentives and support systems to attract the next generation of educators.
“To inspire future educators, we must create an environment where teaching is seen as a respected and rewarding profession,” Dr. Dale said. “This is essential for driving long-term success in our education sector.”
To Improving Educators’ Living Standards. Professor Emmanuel Iyaji, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at British American Open University, shed light on the critical role the foundation plays in improving the living standards of Nigerian educators. He pointed out that teachers’ welfare is directly linked to the quality of education they can deliver.
“When teachers are well-compensated and motivated, the impact on students is profound,” Prof. Iyaji stated. “The foundation is working towards ensuring that educators are well-supported, which is essential for a sustainable education system.”
The awardees shared emotional testimonies with WinningteamTV, expressing their gratitude and outlining the ways the Teachers Aid Foundation has helped transform their work in the education field. Their stories showcased the ongoing efforts to reshape the education system and bring about lasting change.
The award ceremony concluded with a unified call for action, as participants emphasized the need for collective effort in improving the education system. The foundation stressed that achieving a sustainable future for Nigerian children requires input from all stakeholders—government officials, parents, teachers, and private institutions.
Improving education in Nigeria is a shared responsibility, We must all come together to build a brighter future for the next generation. Dr. Osadebe said.
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