AOT Celebrates Teachers, Calls for Greater Investment in Education

 

By Felix Ajide

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Teachers’ Day 2026, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and Kwara governorship aspirant, Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT), has celebrated teachers across Kwara State and Nigeria, describing them as indispensable builders of the nation and custodians of the future.

Alabi, in a goodwill message to mark the annual celebration, paid tribute to teachers for their dedication, patience, sacrifices and commitment to moulding young minds despite the numerous challenges confronting the education sector.

He described teachers as the “silent heroes” whose contributions often go unnoticed, stressing that virtually every successful professional and leader had, at one point or another, benefited from the guidance, knowledge and mentorship of a teacher.

According to him, “Behind every doctor, engineer, lawyer, journalist, administrator, entrepreneur and leader stands a teacher who imparted knowledge, built confidence and inspired that individual to pursue excellence.”

The APC chieftain said the celebration provided an opportunity for society to acknowledge the enormous responsibilities shouldered by teachers and to renew its commitment to improving the teaching profession.

He noted that teachers do more than teach academic subjects, explaining that they also play a critical role in shaping the character, discipline, values and civic consciousness of younger generations.

Alabi commended teachers in Kwara State for their resilience and commitment to duty, particularly those working in public schools and communities where inadequate infrastructure and other challenges sometimes make teaching difficult.

He said the development of any society was directly connected to the quality of its education system, adding that no meaningful development could be achieved without properly trained, motivated and adequately supported teachers.

According to him, “A society that values its teachers values its future.”

Alabi stressed that teachers deserved more than occasional commendations, arguing that their welfare, professional development, working environment and social dignity should remain central to education policies.

He called for continuous investment in teachers through regular training and retraining, improved teaching facilities, access to modern educational resources and policies that would motivate teachers to give their best.

The education advocate also emphasised the need to expose teachers to emerging technologies and modern teaching methodologies, particularly in an era where digital learning, artificial intelligence and other technological innovations are rapidly transforming education globally.

He maintained that empowering teachers would ultimately translate into better learning outcomes for students and contribute to the development of a more knowledgeable, productive and responsible citizenry.

While celebrating teachers on their special day, Alabi assured them that their welfare and empowerment would remain priorities in his vision for a better society.

He said the future of Kwara and Nigeria could not be secured merely through physical infrastructure, stressing that investment in human capital, particularly education, remained one of the most sustainable ways of building a prosperous society.

The community leader, therefore, urged governments, parents, private organisations and other stakeholders to support teachers and create an environment where they could perform their duties effectively.

He also appealed to members of the public to accord teachers the respect and recognition they deserve, noting that the profession should continue to attract talented, passionate and highly motivated individuals.

Alabi further encouraged teachers not to lose hope in the face of challenges, assuring them that their efforts in educating and moulding the younger generation would continue to produce lasting results.

“Every child whose life you touch positively is a testimony to your contribution to society. The knowledge, discipline and values you impart today will continue to influence generations yet unborn,” he said.

Alabi congratulated teachers across Kwara State and Nigeria on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day 2026, praying for renewed strength, greater recognition and improved conditions of service for members of the profession.

“Today, I salute every teacher in Kwara State and across Nigeria for your dedication, patience and sacrifice. You are the true builders of nations, and your contribution to the development of our society can never be overemphasised,” Alabi said.

Dr Alabi, who had offered many students scholarships, wished all teachers a rewarding celebration and reaffirming his commitment to initiatives that promote quality education, teacher welfare and human capital development.

Happy World Teachers’ Day 2026!
Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT)
Ileri Oluwa Ni!