In a grand celebration of the 2023 World Teachers Day, Command Secondary School Jos brought together educators, administrators, and guests to commemorate the vital role played by teachers in shaping the future. The event, themed “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse Teachers Shortage,” took place today at Ogundeko Hall in Command Secondary School Jos, Plateau State.

The Vice Principal of Administration, Mrs. Ngozi Agha, extended a warm welcome to attendees, emphasizing the significance of this day in recognizing the dedicated educators. She underscored the pivotal role teachers play in molding lives, asserting that teaching is an act of nurturing discovery and that no generation can thrive without the guidance of teachers. Mrs. Agha also called on teachers to ponder critical questions regarding problem-solving in their communities, urging them to take pride in their noble profession.

During the event, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Oduyemi, the Commandant of the School, offered a heartfelt tribute to teachers. He acknowledged that educators are not just disseminators of knowledge but also mentors, guides, and friends to their students. Colonel Oduyemi commended teachers for instilling discipline, courage, and sound moral values in students, which he noted has a lasting impact on their lives. He encouraged teachers to continue illuminating the path of knowledge and to remain steadfast in their dedication to educational goals.

Furthermore, in her thought-provoking presentation on the topic “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse Teachers’ Shortage,” Mrs. Ijeoma Patience Onwuama, Exam Officer for the Senior School, referenced UNESCO’s data, which highlights the global necessity for an additional 24.4 million teachers in primary education and 44.4 million teachers in secondary education by 2030 to achieve universal basic education (UBE). Mrs. Onwuama urged teachers to align themselves with 21st-century teaching skills, emphasizing communication, collaboration, creativity, media literacy, technological literacy, information literacy, critical thinking, flexibility, leadership, initiative, productivity, and social skills as essential attributes.

She stressed the importance of teacher-student collaboration and the need for teachers to embrace professional and ethical ways of working with both colleagues and students. Mrs. Onwuama emphasized the importance of media and technological literacy, underscoring the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in modern education.

Deborah Adenikinju delivered a compelling lecture on “Teachers’ Mental Health Issues,” shedding light on the importance of educators maintaining sound mental health to effectively teach students. Col. Joseph Bamidele Ajanaku (Rtd) also spoke on “Teacher Emotional Intelligence: A Panacea for Student Management in School Environment.” He advocated for an educational system rooted in Nigerian values, emphasizing the need for teachers to adapt and become leaders, motivators, mentors, and nurturers of children.

Col. Ajanaku emphasized the necessity for teachers to prepare for the future, given the evolving educational landscape and the increasingly informed and educated students of today.

The event featured a special presentation by students, interactive sessions led by various moderators and discussants, as well as the presentation of gifts and souvenirs. This celebration not only honored teachers for their invaluable contributions but also served as a call to action to address the global teacher shortage and prepare educators for the challenges and opportunities of the future.