By Christian Ogbonna
A United Kingdom based Research Hub, “Bestob Education and Research” has given N1 million gift to Mrs Alice Awaza, a teacher in Ohofia Community Primary School, Ukawu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Awaza received the gift as the oldest teacher, who participated in a meeting tagged “Ebonyi Teachers First” in Abakaliki on Sunday.
The Beneficiary, Awaza, who has served for 32 years, began her teaching career in 1992.
NAN also reports that nine other teachers from different primary and secondary schools received Hp laptop each to support their teachings.
Dr Obinna Ogbonnia, Lecturer, Swansea University, United Kingdom, called for the need to prioritise teachers’ welfare and improve learning facilities in the nation’s basic schools and universities.
Ogbonnia, a researcher, noted that investing in teachers remains the best approach on the move to achieve standardisation in Nigeria’s educational system.
He expressed worry that teachers have not been receiving empowerment and adequate training for career growth, urging all hands to be on deck.
“The teachers need some of these basic needs to enhance career and teaching. Such needs include food, clothing and shelter.
“How many teachers across states can boast of having a house or landed property?” the researcher asked.
Ogbonnia noted that there was always the need to recognise the teachers as the drivers and the brain box of the society.
Also speaking, Prof Daniel Nwibo, Provost, College of Health Science, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), said that teachers deserved better conditions of service in Nigeria.
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 needs 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 organisers and called for more advanced training for members in the rural communities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Gabriel Yough
