The Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, has urged the Federal Government to prioritize teachers’ welfare and increase budget allocation to the education sector.
Its National Treasurer, Mr. Segun Raheem, made the plea in an interview in Lagos, on Wednesday.
He emphasized that teachers’ salaries and benefits should be paid timely and also reflective of their vital role in nation-building.
“No nation can develop beyond the quality of its teachers; hence, the need for government at all levels to make education funding a top priority,” he said.
Raheem said that investments in the sector directly enhance the quality of teaching and learning outcomes in Nigerian schools.
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“A teacher who is well-motivated and adequately rewarded will perform better in the classroom.
“The government must see education as a vital tool for national growth, and that begins with prioritizing the welfare of teachers who are the backbone of the system, ” he said.
On security, the treasurer appealed to authorities to beef up security surveillance around school premises to protect both students and staff.
He also advised teachers to maintain a high sense of discipline and professionalism, urging them to serve as role models for their students.
“We must continue to uphold integrity, diligence, and moral standards in our duties.
“When students see teachers living by example, it inspires them to become better citizens,” he said.
Raheem encouraged students to take their studies seriously and remain focused on building a brighter future for themselves and the country.
He said that education remained the most powerful weapon for transforming lives and societies.
He further called on parents to collaborate with teachers in instilling discipline, moral values, and cultural norms in their children.
“Parents must complement the efforts of teachers by providing proper home training and moral guidance.
“Education is a shared responsibility between the school and the home,” he said.
NAN
