ASABA/Nigeria: Staff members of the Delta State Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) have praised the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for their dedicated efforts in rejuvenating the institute to enhance service delivery.
The accolades came during a ceremony held at the Institute in Asaba as part of the activities marking World Teachers’ Day. The Asaba Zonal Director/Principal of the Institute, Mrs. Regina Okoro, along with other staff members, expressed their gratitude for the Delta State Government’s unwavering support and commitment to the institute since its integration into the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Acting Director of the Institute, Mr. Edwin Onyema, expressed gratitude for several measures approved by the government, including a 27.5% salary increment for all staff, an extension of the retirement age for teachers to 65 years, and the provision of essential furniture, among other benefits. He emphasized the significance of celebrating teachers on October 5 and encouraged educators to continue their vital role in society.
Mr. Onyema highlighted the pivotal role teachers play in society and advised them to approach their work with dedication for the betterment of children and humanity at large.
During the event, several Institute officials, including Mr. Peter Obrutu, Mrs. Akpede Victoria, Mr. Asakpa Bright, Nwafejokwu Rosemary, and Edith Okonkwo of the Ogwashi-Uku branch, highlighted that the government’s recent approval allows Institute staff to attain level 17, depending on their years of service.
In an address, Mr. Obrutu praised the leadership of the Institute for their hard work, passion, and constructive guidance in shaping the minds of students and leading them toward success.
Representing the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Marian Efenudu assured continued support for the Institute’s growth and development on behalf of the Ministry’s Director of Administration, Mr. Henry Odum.
In a related event at the Cenotaph, Comr. Edward Mesere, Chairman of the Association of Primary School Heads of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Delta State chapter, underscored the pivotal role teachers play in societal development. He stressed the importance of commitment and focus among educators in molding the future leaders of tomorrow.
Comr. Mesere emphasized the significance of World Teachers’ Day in appreciating the modest contributions of teachers worldwide, with a theme focusing on the shortage of teachers due to a growing global population. He commended Governor Oborevwori for his teacher-friendly policies, including efforts to pay pensions for primary school teachers and the ongoing recruitment of primary school educators in the state.
Furthermore, Comr. Mesere called for newly recruited teachers to be posted to underserved riverine areas to address teacher shortages, and he noted that primary school teachers were not neglected in the distribution of fuel subsidy removal palliatives.
Mrs. Allanah Otutu, Education Secretary for Oshimili South Local Education Authority, echoed the sentiment that teachers lay the foundation for all professions and lauded the state government’s commitment to the education system.
