Ambode promises improved welfare for teachers

Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of Lagos state, has pledged the commitment of his administration to the welfare of teachers in the state.

The governor  gave the assurance on Wednesday at the campus of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, in the Ijanikin area of the state, during the 35th convocation ceremony of the institution.

He said the state government will give due attention to strengthening the capacity of colleges of education to train teachers.

Represented by Oluranti Adebule, his deputy, Ambode described teaching as a noble profession that ought to be encouraged and accorded the attention it requires.

“We can safely say the teaching profession holds the key to the realisation of the major goal of education which is to drive and facilitate socio-economic and technological development,” the governor said.

“It is in recognition of this vital link that the strengthening of the capacity of our colleges of education to train good teachers will be given due attention.”

He sought the support and co-operation of all stakeholders in tertiary institutions of learning to ensure industrial peace and harmony.

Ambode also urged them to embrace peaceful and non-disruptive means of resolving disputes on campuses.

“Dialogue and constructive engagement should always be explored instead of resorting to strikes which have impacted negatively on academic programmes but also on the quality of products of our tertiary institutions”, he said.

“As a government, we will not take the issue of workers welfare for granted. We will also pay prompt attention to issues that may be brought to our attention before they degenerate to industrial disputes.

“I therefore urge you all academic and non academic union in our tertiary institutions to take advantage of the opportunities and ensure industrial peace and harmony on our campuses.”

He implored the graduating students to be shining light and remain good ambassadors of their institution.

“As teachers of the students at the basic level of education, I urge you to join hands with other honourable teachers to effect positive behavioural change in the next generation of Nigerians who look up to you as model,” he said.