By Divine Sam
Edo State’s celebration of the 2024 World Teachers Day was marked by the conspicuous absence of key government officials, including Governor Godwin Obaseki, Education Commissioner Joan Oviawe, and SUBEB Chairman Salami Ozavize. The theme for this year, “Valuing Teachers’ Voices Towards New Social Contract for Education,” contrasted sharply with previous celebrations, which were bustling with activity.
This year’s event saw fewer than 100 teachers in attendance, a stark decline from previous years. The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Edo, Bernard Gbenga Ajobiewe, attributed the low turnout to the high cost of living and the recent governorship election fatigue. He noted that while some government representatives attended, many were unavailable due to travel or other commitments.
Ajobiewe called for increased teacher recruitment to address staffing shortages in primary schools and urged the governor to fulfill past promises regarding teacher support, including an operational bus and additional salary provisions. He highlighted ongoing challenges, such as insecurity in schools, and emphasized the need for renovations and better infrastructure.
Despite the setbacks, he acknowledged the state government’s efforts in teacher training and salary payments, urging continued collaboration between the government and the union for the benefit of education in Edo State.