The Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, sounded the alarm about the precarious state of Nigeria’s public education system, citing a lack of teacher passion as a significant threat.
Dr. Tidi made these remarks during the commencement of a one-day orientation exercise for recently appointed teachers in Warri South Local Government Area at King George’s Hall on Thursday. Expressing deep concern for the future of the nation’s education system, particularly if corrective measures aren’t taken promptly, the Chairman emphasized the urgent need for educators to invest more effort in their roles.
Highlighting the pivotal role of primary education as the foundation of all learning, Dr. Tidi underscored the responsibility that teachers bear for shaping the development of children during this crucial stage. He implored the newly recruited teachers to approach their duties with a genuine passion for education, stating, “If you know that you don’t have a passion for teaching, please indicate now so that we can replace you with those who have a passion for the job.”
Dr. Tidi also expressed dismay at the rising levels of lawlessness within the education sector, citing the involvement of primary and secondary school students in cult activities. Furthermore, he addressed the alarming trend of parents attacking teachers for disciplining their children and called for increased protection for educators against such incidents.
Accompanying the Chairman were key figures, including Vice Chairman Chief (Mrs) Divine Iniovosa, Head of Personnel Management Mr. Austin Akaize, Secretary to Warri South Local Government Mr. Joseph Oribioye, and several supervisors in various departments.
Earlier in the day, Mrs. Augusta Omatsone, the Education Secretary of Warri South Local Government, urged the newly recruited teachers to approach their roles diligently, emphasizing that their removal from the unemployment market should serve as motivation to excel and avoid a return to joblessness.
