Recruitment: Buhari Speaks On Move To Employ Many More Teachers

Nigerians have been assured that more qualified teachers  would be recruited to increase the teacher-to-pupil ratio in the country.

The promise was made by President Muhammadu Buhari today, when he received the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), at the presidential villa, Abuja.

According to the president, there is a deficit in the number of teachers, and his administration is addressing through the N-Power Teach Volunteers scheme under National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).

In a statement which was issued by Femi Adesina, Presidential aide, Buhari was quoted as saying: ‘‘We have created a dedicated platform under the National Social Investment Programme called N-Power Teach, which engages qualified graduates to man the gaps of basic education delivery in Nigeria.

“These N-Power Teach Volunteers are deployed as teacher assistants in primary schools across Nigeria to support existing teachers.

“The aim of this, and many other Government programmes, is to increase the teacher-student ratio at the primary school level thereby enhancing the quality of students moving to secondary schools.

“I want to take this opportunity to ask all members of Nigeria Union of Teachers to support these programmes and encourage as many qualified and willing graduates to enrol in the teaching profession,” the President said.

Describing the teaching profession as one of the noblest of professions, President Buhari told the delegation led by the union’s National President, Comrade Nasir Idris, that: “It shapes the character, calibre and future of individuals and nations.

“You and I were all taught by teachers who moulded our persons and influenced our future. No price is too high for good rewards.”

The President also used the occasion to pay tribute to teachers, noting that they have been at the forefront of cultivating young minds to be innovative and inventive.

“Today, we live in a dynamic world where science and technology drive innovations that virtually touch every aspect of our lives.

“The foundations of today’s changes can be attributed to teachers who, decades ago, in one way or another, shaped the minds of young men and women who eventually grew to become global innovators and inventors from whose works we are benefiting today.

“Nigerians, both at home and abroad, are part of this global breed of impactful change agents.

“Almost everyday, Nigerians are inventing new products or improving existing ones.

“It is, therefore, our collective duty to continue to encourage and cultivate these minds, by increasing resources available for research and development and improving work environment,’’ he said.