We Could Have Failed Without Teachers-Makinde
Governor of Oyo State, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, has said his administration could have failed in implementing one of its key objective to provide free and qualitative education, but for the role and contributions of teachers in the state.
He said the role of teachers, being the pillars of development, made him to place them in the front burners of the policies of his administration, adding that they remain heroes of global developmental strides.
Makinde said this in his congratulatory message to teachers in Oyo State and across the country on the occasion of the Teachers’ Day celebrations.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said that he is happy that teachers are now recognised globally with the dedication of a day to celebrate them.
“Being the son of a teacher, I practically recognise what teachers go through and the level of appreciation accorded them by the society.
“I am, therefore, pleased that the world has come to recognise these usually unsung heroes to the extent that they are being celebrated today,” he said.
Makinde added that, upon assumption of office, he placed the welfare of teachers in the front burner by approving regular training and retraining programmes.
The governor said: “Our administration has always been guided by this mantra; education remains the best weapon to fight poverty and that informed the pride of place occupied by education in our government’s four-point service agenda.
“Without teachers, we cannot fulfill a key objective of our administration, which is to provide free and qualitative education to our teeming populace, and that is why we didn’t blink an eye in recruiting 5,000 teachers and over 600 education officers to upgrade our education standards.
“We have also ensured the promotion of teachers who have had their promotion stalled for years, while also ensuring that the entitlements of the retired teachers and other workers are paid promptly.
“While thanking teachers for their dedication to the service of humanity, we can assure them that as far as Oyo State under our watch is concerned, teachers would start receiving their rewards right from this earth.”
