TRIBUTE TO ALL TEACHERS

Sometime ago I was listening to a radio talk, and the topic of discussion was: "Between a teacher and a doctor, who is more important", this kind of discussion comes with a lot of opinions, one might say, a teacher is vital in the development of child’s education who will not be a doctor if he/she is not taught to learn how to read and write.

The point still remains, both professions are vital in any human society, however I choose to pay tribute to all teachers, most especially my mother who has been a teacher all through her career, starting from the home she taught to be good children and also assisted us in our studies, I remember those knocks she gave me on my head each time I failed to provide the right answers, it made me more serious with my studies. She also made me and my siblings attend home lessons and extra-mural classes, and that foundation really helped me pass through schooling successfully.

Teaching is a noble profession indeed, and without their service the world might be walking into darkness, every person you see is a product of training by different teachers, the number of teachers that have taught me from primary school to the University level is a huge number, and I am indebted to them, one of the ways to pay back their service is deploying the knowledge you have acquired for the good of humanity, making the world a better place to live in.

Every child belongs to a family and a wider community, all of us should be involved in the training of every child, for they are the future leaders of tomorrow, leaving the responsibilities only to the parents is not a good option, the teachers have a big role to play in training a child, they are not only to be given education about different subjects but should be taught good morals in order to exhibit good character. A brilliant child who does not have good character will pose a menace in the society, especially teachers who are involved in the foundation of a child’s training.  The University is another societal platform for youth development and empowerment,  the university management has a big role to play by putting mechanisms and the right system in place will prevent students joining cult groups and other evil societies, they have to be proactive in halting all practices  that promotes exam malpractice and sorting, lecturers who are involved in extortion, sex for better grades and cult promotion should be identified and disciplined accordingly, there should be no room for evil to thrive, this will create a conducive environment for studies and better leaders to emerge. Of what use is a First class degree if such student possesses a bad character, such a person may not bring meaningful development in the society.

The Church leaders who are teachers of the faith also have a vital role to play in instilling good manners, morals and virtues in the younger generations. False preaching should be avoided at all costs. Pastors should not allow the greed to take their focus which is the spiritual welfare of his members. They should also discipline their members accordingly.

The employers of labour should also inculcate leadership programmes in their work plans to train the young employees with the right work ethics and principles.

I wish to say kudos to all teachers out there, kudos to my mum and all teachers who have sacrificed for my wellbeing today. I believe other students are as well grateful.  Even though the pandemic seems to create a bridge between the students and teachers, the teachers’ hearts are very close to the students.

Once again a big congratulations to all teachers, God bless your works and reward you all abundantly, Amen.