For their immense contributions to the virtual classrooms as well as bridging the learning gaps created by the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown and schools’ closure, the Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Education District 1, Barrister Margaret Titilayo Solarin, has given special recognition to some teachers across different schools within the District
Speaking at the event organised by the District to celebrate the Year 2020 World Teachers Day, Barrister Solarin eulogised the teachers for their sacrifices during the schools’ closure alongside some other stakeholders of the District including the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Lagos State Branch.
She stated the teachers were recognised to encourage dedication to the profession, saying that virtual learning has now become a new norm in Lagos State as the initiative complements the classroom teaching.
According to her, “The celebration of the annual event, World Teachers Day, is very important for students, teachers and parents. For students, it gives them the opportunity to understand and appreciate the effort of the teachers to ensure that students get the right education. To teachers, it is a day of recognition of their efforts by all, especially students and parents”.
“It is also a day to tell teachers all over the globe to be positive and forge ahead because their effort is not in vain. The day is also celebrated to encourage young people in the nation to develop an interest in teaching as a profession and to join efforts to create a much more sustainable World”, the TGPS explained.
She also highlighted some efforts made by the State Government to curb the spread of Coronavirus disease as schools begin to reopen across the State, such as the formation of routine time-table for staggered school reopening, provision of necessary facilities and physical distancing practices in classrooms among several others.
She added that apart from the provision of funds for schools by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration, teachers had also been trained to take over the control of the spread of the pandemic through a train-the-trainers approach at the State and Education District levels.
Barrister Solarin maintained that the plans put in place for the safe reopening of schools in Lagos is responsible for the smooth running of academic activities for the SS3 students and others who are currently in school.
The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Lagos State Chapter, Otunba Adesina Adedoyin, affirmed the pace-setting role of Lagos State, especially in the education sector.
He stated that virtual learning and teaching that was later embraced by some other States during the lockdown had been in practice in Lagos State before the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The teachers recognised by the District at the event included Mr. Idowu Olajide Taofik (English Language), Mrs. Agunbiade Ayotunde Busurat (Mathematics), Mr. Ambali Razaki Olabanji (Physics), Mrs. Adejobi Monininuola Ajibike (Chemistry), Mr. Odusanya Tolulope Joseph (Chemistry), Ms. Adegbite Oluwayomi Dayo (Literature), Mr. Isiaka (Yoruba), Dr. Rafiu (Accounting) and Mr. Babajide Olanrewaju Afolayan (English Studies).
