A SPEECH DELIVERED BY COMRADE SOLA ADIGUN, THE STATE CHAIRMAN AND NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ASUSS, NIGERIA


Protocols.

Your Excellency,
I give thanks to Almighty God for allowing us to witness another World Teachers' Day, a day set aside to recognise, celebrate, and appreciate teachers for the work they do.

TRIBUTE TO LATE COLLEAGUES

It is on this note that we recognise our colleagues who were with us last year, but have answered the call of their creator. We pray that their Souls continue to rest in peace.

*IMPORTANCE OF TEACHERS*

The importance of Teachers cannot be overemphasised, being the engine room for the modelling of a better society. No Teachers, no Nation. The major solution to the multifaceted problems we are encountering in Nigeria is Education and there's no proper education with well-equipped, recognised and motivated Teachers.

THEME OF WORLD TEACHERS' DAY 2025
The theme for this year's World Teachers';
"Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession" emphasises the importance of *teamwork and shared responsibility* in education.

*KEY ASPECTS OF COLLABORATIVE TEACHING*

- *Professional and Peer Learning Networks*: There is a need for Teachers to collaborate with one another. We can learn from each other, share best practices, and develop new skills through peer-led workshops and mentoring programs.
- *Digital Collaboration Platforms*: Online platforms can connect teachers across schools, districts, and regions, facilitating the exchange of ideas and resources.
- *Cross-State Teacher Exchanges*: Teachers can participate in exchange programs to diversify their experience, learn new pedagogies, and broaden their perspectives.
- *Awards and Recognition Systems*: Recognising and rewarding excellent Teachers can motivate them to continue delivering high-quality education and inspire others to strive for excellence.

*BENEFITS OF COLLABORATIVE TEACHING*

- *Improved Student Outcomes*: When teachers collaborate, students receive richer, more engaging instruction, and benefit from the collective expertise of their teachers.
- *Increased Teacher Morale*: Collaboration can help reduce teacher isolation, improve job satisfaction, and enhance overall well-being.
- *Enhanced Professional Development*: Teachers can learn from each other, develop new skills, and stay updated on best practices, leading to continuous professional growth.

*CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS*

- *Teacher Welfare*: Addressing Teacher welfare concerns, such as better salaries, allowances, and working conditions, is crucial for effective collaboration.
- *Funding and Policy Consistency*: Ensuring consistent funding and policy support across administrations and states is essential for sustaining collaborative teaching initiatives.
- *Regulatory Backing*: Strengthening regulatory frameworks, such as the Teachers' Registration Council of Nigeria, can help enforce standards and promote continuous professional development.

*GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND SUPPORT*

- *Improved Welfare Packages*: The Nigerian government has pledged to introduce improved welfare packages for Teachers, including better salaries, allowances, and working conditions.
- *Institutional Support Systems*: The government is creating structures to promote collaboration, mentorship, and digital resource-sharing across schools.
- *Recognition and Incentives*: The government aims to recognise and reward excellent teachers, celebrating their contributions to education and society.

*APPRECIATION AND REQUESTS*

I want to appreciate the Ekiti State Government under the leadership of our Omoluabi Governor, His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his giant strides in repositioning education in Ekiti State. Our amiable, teacher-friendly governor, we do not take for granted your consistent presence at the annual celebration of WTD since your resumption in office. You have not stopped the celebration of teachers on this day by predecessors, but you have enlarged the coast, you have made it an annual carnival. As Oliver Twist, we would like to make the following requests: Payment of outstanding leave bonuses, Implementation of Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria i.e 40 years or 65 years retirement age for teachers as the case may be for Ekiti Teachers, Appointment of Tutors General: Mr Governor Sir, the appointment of TG is one of the struggles of heroes past that much not be taken for granted. It started in our sister state of Ondo, and it has spread to other states of the federation with all of improvement and dignity. Sir, if we are not better than those who copied from us, our state shouldn't be the lowest in rating when it comes to the appointment of TG. We humbly request that the appointment should be legalised through the process of legislation, their appointment letter from your office via the office of the Head of Service. The provision of utility vehicles and other paraphernalia of office, for the office of the Tutors General, will not only dignify us but also boost our morale. Speedy implementation of the 2024/2025 promotion exercise. Approval of GL 17: It will surprise Your Excellency that Ekiti State is one of the few states in the Southern part of the country where GL 17 is still limited to some categories of workers; our neighbouring states in the southwest have GL 17 as the last GL for all their workforce.

*CONCLUSION*

In conclusion, Your Excellency, because you have done excellently well, we are bold to say on behalf of Ekiti State Secondary School Teachers, we stand boldly to declare once again that "your mandate will stand" Thank you.