Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has pledged to reverse the shortage of teachers in the state’s education system through continuous recruitment of qualified teachers in line with the international best practice.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said this at the 2023 World Teachers’ Day celebration at the NUT  Pavilion, Agidingbi, on Thursday in Lagos, with the theme: ‘The Teachers We Need For The Education We Want: The Global Imperative To Reverse Teacher’s Shortage’.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, assured that his administration was resolute in attracting the brightest minds and most compassionate hearts to the profession.

He said the state government was convinced that no society can develop beyond the quality of its education system and that teachers occupy a prominent space.

“This administration understands that education is the bedrock upon which the state progress and prosperity are built.

“Therefore, we will continue to be steadfast in her pursuit of the education the state desires for the children, through a continuous review of her education curriculum to reflect current and emerging realities.

“We will also take proactive measures not only to address the global imperative of reversing teacher shortage but also improve the delivery capacity of our teachers through a well-structured training and development program,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu stated that the state government had taken substantial steps to recognise the invaluable contributions of the educators.

He said, “It is no doubt that a motivated and fulfilled teacher is the cornerstone of a thriving educational system.

“Efforts are aimed at igniting and sustaining the passion for teaching and the pursuit of knowledge.”

He, therefore, called for collective efforts that would involve governments, communities, parents, and every stakeholder interested in the future of children.

He also called for attitudinal change toward the sector.

The governor said his administration’s commitment to investing in the professional development of educators had yielded tangible results in the impressive performance of students among their peers both locally and internationally.

“This included the provision of access to cutting-edge resources and established support networks to ensure that our teachers are equipped to inspire and empower our students.”

Earlier, Jamie Alli-Balogun, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, pledged that the state government would always prioritise the welfare of teachers.

The commissioner also assured that the government would continue to provide capacity building for the teachers in the state.

“We will provide investment in digital tools for improved teaching delivery and performance.

“The ministry will also increase focus on technical education which will help to provide more opportunities for the learners,” he said.

(NAN)