Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Lere Oyewumi has extolled Nigerian teachers as the unsung heroes and true architects of national development, describing them as the moral compass and intellectual foundation upon which the future of every great nation is built. Senator Oyewumi lauded teachers for their tireless sacrifices, patience, and unwavering commitment to shaping minds, nurturing dreams, and molding generations of leaders across all walks of life.
According to him, “no nation can rise above the quality of its teachers.” He noted that the success of every educational reform, government initiative, and societal transformation rests on the shoulders of teachers who daily give their best, often under challenging conditions, to ensure the intellectual and moral growth of the nation’s youth.
Reflecting on this year’s theme *“Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession”* Senator Oyewumi emphasized the importance of partnership, teamwork, and shared responsibility in the teaching profession. He stressed that teachers thrive best when they are empowered to work collaboratively with policymakers, parents, and communities to shape a more inclusive and impactful education system.
He noted that collaboration among teachers enhances creativity, promotes knowledge exchange, and strengthens the quality of learning outcomes across all levels of education. Senator Oyewumi added that the theme underscores the need to recognize teaching not just as an individual endeavor, but as a collective mission toward building a better and more enlightened society.
He further commended teachers for their resilience and selflessness in the face of economic and infrastructural challenges, describing them as “nation-builders whose influence transcends the classroom and whose legacy endures in the lives they touch.” Senator Oyewumi called on all tiers of government to improve teachers’ welfare, working conditions, and professional development opportunities, noting that investing in teachers is synonymous with investing in the nation’s future.
He concluded by urging teachers to remain steadfast in their noble calling, assuring them of his continued advocacy for policies that elevate the teaching profession and restore its pride of place in society.