On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate for Umuahia South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ifeanyi Kingsley Ekwuribe, has felicitated with teachers across Umuahia South, Abia State and Nigeria, appreciating their contributions to the development of society.
World Teachers’ Day is held annually on 5 October to celebrate all teachers around the globe. It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to complement the 1966 Recommendation by covering teaching personnel in higher education. World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated since 1994.
It is a day to celebrate how teachers are transforming education but also to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to rethink the way ahead for the profession globally.
World Teachers’ Day is co-convened in partnership with the International Labour Organization, UNICEF and Education International.
Under the theme “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures,” the 2026 edition will centre on reviewing the current challenges related to teacher status and the strategies to address them, calling on society and policy-makers to protect, promote and elevate that status.
Ekwuribe acknowledged the resilience, dedication, patience and sacrifices of teachers who continue to remain committed to their profession despite the challenges confronting the education sector.
He described teachers as nation builders, character moulders, mentors and role models whose influence extends beyond the classroom, noting that professionals and leaders across different fields have, at one point, passed through the hands of teachers.
According to him, teachers remain committed to ensuring that children acquire the knowledge, skills, discipline and values needed to become responsible and productive members of society.
Ekwuribe noted that teaching in the present environment requires considerable courage and sacrifice, particularly in the face of economic difficulties, inadequate facilities, increasing responsibilities and other challenges within the education sector.
He urged teachers not to lose hope but to remain steadfast and committed to their profession, expressing optimism that the challenges confronting the sector can be addressed through purposeful leadership, responsible representation and sustained investment in education.
Ekwuribe also called on governments at all levels, education stakeholders, parents, community leaders and well-meaning citizens to support teachers and invest in the education of children.
He stressed that improving the quality of education requires an environment where teachers are respected, motivated, adequately supported and provided with the necessary tools to effectively perform their duties.
The PDP candidate said the sacrifices of teachers are recognised and their contributions to the future of children would remain significant.
He said, “To every teacher in Umuahia South and Abia State, your sacrifices are seen, your dedication is appreciated, and your contribution to the future of our children will never be forgotten.
“Continue to remain strong and hopeful. The challenges of today will not define the future. Better days are ahead, and there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Ekwuribe saluted teachers for their continued efforts to educate, inspire, encourage and nurture children despite the challenges they face.
He wished teachers across Umuahia South, Abia State and Nigeria a happy World Teachers’ Day, describing the classroom as a place where the future of society is built and the dedication of teachers as an investment in generations yet unborn.
— Hon. Ifeanyi Kingsley Ekwuribe
PDP Candidate, Umuahia South State Constituency, Abia State House of Assembly
