The teachers the country needs in the 21st century should be computer literate and have in-depth knowledge of curriculum and subject matter.
Delivering a lecture on the 2023 World Teacher’s Day celebration, themed, “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: the global imperative to Reverse Teachers’ shortage”, organised by the Kwara state wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the dean, faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Professor Yahaya Alabi, also said that teachers the country need should be dedicated to teaching and have good relationship with pupils/students.
“The teachers we need in the 21st century should have broad knowledge of the learners, have effective classroom management, effective communication, arm himself/herself with effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues and parents and have licensure and professionalism”, he said.
The education expert, who lamented the shortage of teachers in most public schools, said that teachers in the country should be recognized and appreciated to reverse the trend.
He also said that the living wages of teachers should also be addressed with a special salary scale, adding that stakeholders of education should emphasize training and retraining.
“Some other factors to reverse the trend of teachers’ shortage include incentives and rewards, conducive working environment, professional development, autonomy and empowerment, conducive working environment, clear communication, career advancement opportunities as well as prompt payment of retirement benefits”.
Professor Alabi emphasised academic qualification, professional qualification and personal characteristics as part of the characteristics teachers in the country need to have in order to meet global standards.
Also speaking, the Kwara state NUT chairman, Comrade Yusuf Agboola, called on the state government to key into the new Teachers Retirement templates of 65/40 years, “as presently being enjoyed in states like Osun, Adamawa, Zamfara, Kano, Anambra, Ondo, Kogi, Yobe, Kebbi, Akwa-Ibom, Ebonyi, Delta, etc”.
“Some other issues we want the state government to look into include non-recruitment of more teachers to fill the gaps occasioned by retirements and other reasons.
“Subsidy removal/palliative compensation for Kwara’s himtate teachers for June 2023 and subsequent months of two days weekly exemption of other workers not implemented for Kwara teachers as promised by government.
“No cash backing of TESCOM promotions of 2021 and 2022, although the letters have been released to teachers.
“Non-release of 2022 promotions for teachers under SUBEB.
“Non-payment of the remaining 275% Arrears of Teachers salaries owed SUBEB teachers as also promised by State Government.
Non-rectification of the causes of salary disparities between SUBEB and TESCOM teachers and non-implementation of 27.5% TSA to all Teachers, despite the promise made by Mr Governor to do so during last year’s World Teachers Day Celebration, held at Banquet Hall of Government House in Ilorin.
We suggest that the Kwara State Government constitute a Committee of Education Stakeholders to unravel the factors responsible for the salary disparities and make recommendations on the way out of the quagmire.
“Having listed some of our challenges, I wish to note that our meetings with some Education Stakeholders in the state during the Leadership Courtesy visits not long ago gave us opportunities to discuss the above pending issues and by the Grace of God, we believe that there may be light at the end of the tunnel”.
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