By Ishola Balogun

Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has unveiled the Federal Government’s comprehensive plans to restore the dignity of the teaching profession, emphasizing the critical role teachers play in shaping Nigeria’s future.

The Minister who was represented by the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, Dr Ibraheem Abdul at the 2024 Maltina Teacher of the Year Awards, outlined the government’s strategies to revitalize the teaching profession.

According to Dr. Sununu, the government is committed to restoring the dignity of the teaching profession through the newly developed National Teaching Policy. This policy addresses critical issues affecting teachers, including career pathways, remuneration, and teaching standards.

“The new National Teaching Policy, developed by the Federal Ministry of Education with key stakeholders, addresses critical issues such as career pathways, remuneration, and teaching standards,” Dr. Sununu explained.

He emphasized the importance of education in national development, stating, “No society can progress without a robust education system, and no educational reform can succeed without dedicated teachers who implement the curriculum, mentor learners, and guide development.”

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Dr. Sununu also highlighted the Ministry’s “Education Sector Roadmap” built on 13 pillars, with particular focus on the “DOTS policy”. The DOTS policy focuses on four key areas: Data Repository, to improve education data management; Out of School Children issues, to ensure all children have access to education; Teacher Education, Training and Continuous Professional Development, to enhance teacher capacity; and Skills Development, Acquisition and Digitization, to prepare students for the modern workforce.

“Nigeria’s education system is committed to preparing our children for responsible citizenship and national development, achievable only through the efforts of qualified, innovative, and motivated teachers—like those we honor here today,” Dr. Sununu said.

He commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for their support for education, saying, “Education is our collective responsibility, and its failure is a failure for all. The Federal Ministry of Education commends the efforts of Nigerian Breweries and the Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for celebrating outstanding teachers and investing in educational resources and infrastructure.”

Dr. Sununu concluded by congratulating the awardees and expressing gratitude to Nigerian Breweries Plc for their partnership. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all awardees and recognize the dedication of every teacher who participated in this year’s competition and other millions of committed Nigerian teachers.”