The contributions of teachers to national development took centre stage in Ibadan, Oyo State, as the Oluyole branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) celebrated its 60th anniversary.
The event brought together education stakeholders, union leaders and political figures, with renewed calls for improved teachers’ welfare and greater investment in educational development.
Speaking at the celebration, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, urged Nigerians to acknowledge the sacrifices teachers make in shaping future generations.
Ajadi maintained that teachers played an indispensable role in producing professionals, leaders and other individuals contributing to society.
He argued that their influence extended beyond classrooms, making their welfare and professional development important considerations for government and communities.
The senatorial candidate also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the union’s ongoing building project in Oluyole.
He expressed hope that he would be able to extend further assistance to teachers if elected to the National Assembly in 2027.
Oluyole Local Government Chairman and APM House of Representatives candidate, Akeem Olatunji, similarly emphasised the importance of recognising educators for their contributions.
Olatunji disclosed that his administration had consistently supported activities organised by the NUT branch since he assumed office.
He added that the council had received requests to contribute towards the union’s ongoing building construction project.
According to him, appreciating teachers should extend beyond public commendations to practical assistance that improves their working conditions and professional welfare.
The council chairman also acknowledged Ajadi’s contributions to the building project and expressed confidence in his continued support for the union.
Olatunji used the occasion to advocate continuity in Oyo State’s development programmes, particularly initiatives he said had benefited teachers.
He further pledged that APM legislative candidates would recognise teachers during the next Teachers’ Day celebration if elected in 2027.
Among those acknowledged at the gathering were Sikiru Oyedele Sanda, Director-General of Ajadi’s senatorial campaign committee, and Olayide Muyideen Popoola, popularly known as Settle.
Meanwhile, Oyo State NUT Chairman Hamzat Ajibola Fatahi reflected on the challenges previously experienced by teachers, particularly concerns surrounding salary payments.
He contrasted those difficulties with what he described as improvements under the current administration, including the payment of teachers’ salaries on the 25th of each month.
Fatahi also publicly declared support for APM candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that teachers across the state would vote for the party’s candidates.
His declaration was presented as the union chairman’s position at the event, rather than an independently established indication of individual teachers’ voting intentions.
The anniversary concluded with renewed emphasis on recognising educators, strengthening institutional support and sustaining initiatives intended to improve the teaching profession in Oyo State.
Ezeana Emmanuel
