Ugo Nosiri, Owerri
As teachers are celebrated all over the world today, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has pledged to review teachers’ salaries and wages to make them attractive.
He also promised to send the proposed new teachers’ policy on retirement age of sixty five years and forty years in service to the state House of Assembly for consideration.
Chief Uzodimma stated this at the occasion to commemorate world Teachers’ Day at Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square Owerri.
He assured the teachers that he would bring back dignity associated with the teaching profession by paying them properly.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage,” Governor Uzodimma vowed to recruit more teachers to strengthen education in the state for sustainable growth.
In a remark the state commissioner for Education professor Johncliff Nwadike described teaching as the mother of every profession noting that teachers are caregivers and the pride of the society.
Earlier in his welcome address the Chairman Nigeria Union of Teachers Imo State chapter, Dr Philip Nwansi, called on the Governor to provide teachers with safety measures that would improve motivation and career opportunities.
In an interview, a principal, Mrs Augustine Celine, and an education secretary Mr. Kelechi Okonkwo, expressed gratitude to the Governor.
The highlights of the day were the award presentation of Golden pen to the Governor and march pass by teachers.