The Minister of State for Education, Mr Chukuemeka Nwajuiba has identified the teaching profession as the greatest profession in the world which must be accorded adequate recognition and respect.

Nwajuiba made this known on Monday in Abuja during the occasion of the 2020 World Teacher’s Day.

The minister noted that the picture of a Nigerian teacher in the 1960s and 1970s which connotes discipline needed to be replicated in today’s profession.

According to him, having a day to celebrate the teacher is just but a token gesture of recognition to the sacrificial contribution of teachers.

” In those days, very comfortable and important figures in the society would send their children to a teacher’s house for grooming. That was the teacher then.

” Teacher’s children and those that lived with them became the crème de la crème of the society. The society sadly has tilted towards ephemeral appearances that negate the standard of teachers as role models.

” We think this should stop. Teachers deserve recognition and respect. The first step is to have qualified teachers in practice.

” That is why the ministry through the Teachers Registration Council is making concerted efforts to withdraw unqualified teachers from the classroom nationwide,” he said.

The minister, however, urged individuals, states and local government education authorities and corporate organisations to replicate the reward system in order to institutionalise productivity in the education sector.

Meanwhile, Mr Sonny Echono, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education commended the enduring selfless devotion of all teachers across the federation especially those in crisis thorn and remote areas for their invaluable contribution to the development of education.

” I also wish to appreciate UNESCO for its recommendation to all nations to dedicate the 5th of October of every year as the special day to remember the signing of the standard-setting instrument on the status of teachers and also extol their virtues.

” To the individual, who has enjoyed the privilege of being taught by a teacher, I urge you to always remember to appreciate that special teacher who laid the foundation for the success you have achieved in life.”

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration witnessed awards of Best School Administrator, Best Teacher in Public School, Best Teacher in Private School, among others. (NAN)