WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY: ONDO GOVT REUNITES NUT, ASUSS, REWARDS 18 “BEST” TEACHERS

By Dupson Collins,, September 2022

In what seems impossible, the government of Ondo State has reunited the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) as the two Unions celebrated World Teachers Day together.

The two Unions are affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress respectively.

The last time the Unions will celebrate World Teachers Day together was in 2001, twenty-one years ago.The 2022 World Teachers Day theme is “Transformation of Education Begins with teachers”, held at the Multipurpose Hall of Aquinas College, Akure, Ondo State.

Speaking at the annual teachers’ day, Commissioner of Education, Pastor Femi Agagu who represented the governor lauded the newly found unity between ASUSS and NUT as they celebrated World Teachers Day, looking forward for its’ sustainability, saying it is only when there is unity between the associations that they can fight a common goal.

His words: “Our governor is a great unifier that will not lord any union on another. As a union that prioritizes the welfare of its member, it is in the best interest of both unions to work together and shun personal ego”.

Agagu said the government of Arakunrin Akeredolu holds teachers in high esteem and will never do anything that will jeopardize their well-being.“Mr. Governor has promoted a lot of teachers in the primary school to level 16, building and renovation of schools, payment of WAEC Fees which has eased the burden of parents, training and retraining, car loans among others”.

While congratulating the lucky awardees who were given State Honour, the Commissioner noted that the State Government introduced the gesture to reward hardwork, dedication and commitment in their service delivery to the students. “Aside the State Awards, three of our teachers are recipient of National Award in Abuja”.

In his goodwill message, Comrade Sola Adubi who representrd the Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) extolled Akeredolu for appointing Tutor Generals based on seniority and merit.

Comrade Fatuase, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said the country will continue to battle insecurity if the government of Nigeria fails to do the needful, frowning at the prolonged ASUU strike.

“The outcome of neglect of the education sector is insecurity; what becomes of the university students that were shut out of school for months? We need to wake up and begin to make our government accountable to us”.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Sunday Adeleye thanked the governor for the employment of more teachers, renovation of over 800 classrooms by SUBEB, saying there’s room for improvement despite the investment of the governor in education.

He challenged teachers to enroll their wards in public schools, adding that, public schools have the best brain in terms of academic qualifications, better infrastructure, noting that many leaders of today were products of public schools.

He harped on the elongation of the Service years of teachers to 40 years and 65 years as the case may be, saying if Osun State can do it, Ondo should not be found wanting.

He commended the commissioner of Education for doing a yeoman’s job, and for making it possible for ASUSS and NUT to have a World Teachers Day under the same roof, saying the last time it happens was in 2001.

He assured the teachers of payment of their outstanding salaries by the State Government before the end of the year.

Speaking to PATH in separate interviews, the Chairmen of NUT and ASUSS, Comrade Victor Amoko and Comrade Tajudeen Balogun respectively agreed that, the unions will gain more if unity and love prevail.

They commended the Commissioner of Education for bringing the two unions together under the same roof to celebrate the 2022 World Teachers Day.

Meanwhile, 18 Teachers, Head Teachers and Principals were given awards in recognition of their contributions to the education development in Ondo State.

In attendance are the Commissioner of Education, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, NLC Chairman, TUC chairman, PTA, NUT ASUSS, Tutor Generals, SUBEB, Directors, Principals and Head teachers among other dignitaries.