By Ubong Sampson – Uyo
As teachers all over the world celebrate World Teachers’ Day on October 5, one individual who is highly concerned about the plight of teachers is Rt. Hon. Onofiok Akpan Luke, who represents the people of Etinan/Nsit Ubium/Nsit Ibom in the Federal House of Representatives.
Luke, in a message of felicitations titled: “In Celebration of Our Teachers,” recognised and appreciated the vital role of teachers in nurturing, teaching and educating the society; a role that makes for a better world.
While commending the governor of his state, Udom Emmanuel for what he described as “commendable efforts and investments in the education sector to give education a strong footing”, the lawmaker, in buying into the 10-year educational plan by the current administration, suggested that a template should be drawn to ensure its full actualisation.
“Particularly, the Governor’s 10-year Educational Plan which is a vital part of the completion agenda, is aimed at securing the future of education in the state. As a plan that will outlive the administration, it is pertinent to build a template that will ensure its effective and full actualization, we seek to achieve it under Our GOAL for the FUTURE plan”, Luke said.
Read the full message below:
“In Celebration of Our Teachers.
“In line with UNESCO’s declaration of October 5 as World Teachers’ Day, it is my utmost pleasure to acknowledge the indispensable role of teachers in nation-building through moulding of characters.
“Ordinarily, teachers ought to be celebrated everyday because they play a very critical role in our daily lives. The impact of their contribution is timeless.
“I am particularly emotionally attached to this day because I was groomed by a teacher, my mother Deaconess Lawrencia Akpan Luke, before I had the experience of being taught by other teachers through formal education. Growing under her personal tutelage gave me a deep insight into the life and experiences of a teacher. I am certain that many of my contemporaries and even the younger generation, relish similar memories. For everything I am today, I owe it to God and my teachers.
“The theme of this year’s celebration “Teachers at the Heart of Education Recovery” is very timely considering the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on education globally.
“Thankfully, in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom Emmanuel has made commendable efforts and investments in the education sector to give education a strong footing.
“Particularly, the Governor’s 10-year Educational Plan which is a vital part of the completion agenda, is aimed at securing the future of education in the state. As a plan that will outlive the administration, it is pertinent to build a template that will ensure its effective and full actualization, we seek to achieve it under Our GOAL for the FUTURE plan.
“By God’s grace, having the privilege of shouldering public service over the years, we have advocated education friendly policies that prioritizes the interest of both the learners and the teachers. I admit that there are still so much to be done, and we are not relenting. We will keep advocating a well-funded teaching service and other initiatives that will not only better our education but better the lives of our teachers. We are confident that through the AMAZING GRACE OF GOD, we will achieve OUR GOAL for THE FUTURE – United,EDUCATED, Prosperous and Healthy State under God.
“Happy World Teachers’ Day to our dear teachers.”
