Economist Seeks More Priority For Teachers’ Welfare To Improve An economist, Mr Adekunle Oyinloye, on Sunday urged government to give more attention to the welfare of teachers to improve learning. Oyinloye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Kwara, that adequate incentives would spur the teachers to give their best to improve students’ performance. Oyinloye, also the Managing Director, The Infrastructure Bank, Abuja, said such incentive became necessary so as to give the teachers a sense of belonging to do more. He said such incentive should not be limited to financial remuneration alone but other aspects as having adequate representation in policy making as a professional institution. The banker described the teaching profession in the yesteryears as one of the respected within the public service, especially at the grassroots, saying that the contrary was the case nowadays. `The issue of improving the capacity of Nigerian teachers to me has become a kind of misnomer priority to both the government and communities. “Some years back it is normal to see teachers been pampered with all sort of food items by farmers and essential households by traders, particularly at the grassroots. “They (teachers) too would in turn reciprocate the gesture by going the extra-mile to ensure that their students’ come out in flying colours in their various examination. “That is the kind of synergy that we grew up with and which had assisted a lot in what most of our present leaders had achieved today. “But regrettably, incessant agitation for an improved welfare and recognition by teachers across the states had done more harm than good to our educational system,” Oyinloye said. He described the present state of facilities in most public schools as worrisome, saying that the trend negates the government policy aimed at reducing the rate of illiteracy among the populace. Oyinloye urged governments to allocate substantial part of their annual budgets toward improving the state of infrastructure and facilities in public schools to aid effective learning. “Most of our schools have become a mere shadow with dilapidated structures, non-functional laboratory, library and other facilities needed for effective learning,” he said. Oyinloye disclosed that his foundation – Aro Bamgbose Foundation – had mapped out strategies aimed at improving the standard of the education system, especially within the communities. “The foundation is presently into free healthcare empowerment programme in Irepodun local government area of the state and very soon the education aspect would come on board,” said the economist.
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 14:43:08 +0000
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