Rewarding Teachers on Earth Not in Heaven

It was a day filled with appreciation and recognition of impacts made in society in their role as life builders, as the Lagos State Government Education District IV, consisting of schools in Apapa, Mainland and Surulere, recently at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoors Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, held its ‘End-of-year party and Last Year in Office Ceremony for Retirees’ who have sacrificed not less than 30 years of their lives in impacting the society positively. Sunday Ehigiator reports

The popular refrain ‘teachers reward is in heaven’, seems to be waning in Lagos, as teachers now enjoy their rewards on earth.

The rewards cut across teachers still in service and retirees, as they all enjoy regular payment of salaries, allowances, car gifts, etc., as facilitated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Tutor General and Permanent Secretary of Education District IV, Sunday Agboade, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Philip Ayodeji Dosunmu, noted that the annual event was equally held to students and teachers who have been working assiduously to keep the flag flying.

“So it’s a time to remember, appreciate and give back to those who have contributed their quota to the success of the district. It’s an appreciation day for those serving and those who have left.

“I wish to use this opportunity to appreciate all our senior citizens, especially all those who retired this year, for their unquantifiable contributions and meritorious service to the state government. It is my earnest prayer that you will not retire to ill-health or penury,” said Dosunmu.

On some of the benefits teachers enjoy in Lagos, he added, “It is in the olden days that teachers’ rewards are said to be in heaven. With the present administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, that is not true. Recently, he gave brand new cars to serving teachers. Their promotion is equally regular now. They have been enjoying regular promotions. Now, teachers are being appreciated as and when due.”

In his admonition, a patron of the district who wears many caps as Pro-Chancellor/Chairman Governing Council, Summit University Offa, and Chairman, Ibeji Foundation, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, noted that teachers’ reward is not only in heaven but also on earth.

Ebiti equally said more still needed to be done in the education sector and called on all stakeholders to support the government in improving the education and welfare of Lagos teachers.

“From what I have seen here today, I have seen that more needs to be done, not necessarily by the government but by all of us coming together to enhance the quality of education, the welfare of the teachers and principals, and to bring the students to a level that they can compete anywhere in the world,” he pointed out.

Ebiti further explained that the retirees were going through a phase.

“Your experience of over 30 or 35 years is still valuable. People will still come to ask for your contribution. Please don’t hesitate, as we all belong to a common society and state,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director, Co-curricular, Science and Technology, Education District 4, Mrs. Olubajo Ayodeji, noted that the retirees had put all their efforts into shaping and remodelling the lives of great leaders and deserved to be celebrated.

Also speaking, the President of All Nigerians Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Lagos State Branch, Mrs. Folasade Morounkeji, lauded the government effort towards education in Lagos while also calling for the employment of more teachers in core subject areas.

“The state has done well in prompt payment of salaries. Hence I want to employ those retiring to spend wisely ahead of the time the government would give them their entitlement, live well and stay healthy,” said Morounkeji. “In most of our schools, the governor is trying his best. There is the aggressive renovation of schools and even the provision of desks and benches.”
However, he pointed out that more teachers are needed in core subject areas, including English Language and Mathematics.

Similarly, Chairman, ANCOPSS, Lagos Mainland Zone, Dr. Olusola Adenekan, commended the governor for improving education in Lagos.

On the need for more teachers in core subject areas, she said, “It’s true we have the issue of inadequate teachers. However, the commissioner of education and the permanent secretary are not resting on this issue.”
She disclosed that about 2000 teachers were recruited.

Speaking at the ceremony, a retiree, Mr. Tunde Olajide, who spent 32 years teaching in Lagos schools, stated, “Many people we entered this job at the same time died along the way. Some even lost their job. In fact, a very good friend of mine whom we could have retired together this year died two years ago. So, I’m very grateful to God almighty for his infinite mercy.”
Another retiree, Mrs. Anuoluwa Osifesan, equally expressed gratitude to God for completing her time in service, despite all odds.

“I don’t know how to cope without teaching, so truly, I may be starting up a school after now. I’m so used to teaching that it’s strange being home for the few months I have retired without visiting the classroom,” said Mrs. Odunbaku Aborisade, also a retiree. “I guess it’s a new life I have to get used to. However, I’m definitely going to continue giving back to society in any capacity I can.”