Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving teachers’ welfare under the present administration as part of efforts to encourage and motivate educators who play a key role in shaping the future of the state’s children.
Speaking at the 2025 World Teachers Day celebration organized by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Rivers State Wing, held at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt, the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Dr. Siminalayi Fubara, DSSRS, praised teachers for their transformative role in society. The Governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Mrs. Ndidi Chikanele Utchay, described teachers as nation builders whose dedication and resilience are vital to the development of the country.
“Today, we celebrate not just teachers but nation builders, dedicated men and women who plant seeds of knowledge, character, and vision into our children, shaping a brighter future for Rivers State and Nigeria. Your work is the foundation upon which our society thrives and for this, we honor you all,” she said.
The Governor emphasized that his administration will continue to provide incentives and welfare support to teachers as a way of acknowledging their impact on education and human capital development. The event attracted teachers from various local government areas who joined in the celebration of their profession.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Rivers State Wing, Comrade Donatus Samuel (JP), said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” aligns with the belief that the strength of a nation depends on the education of its citizens, which begins with teachers.
He commended the Fubara-led administration for several initiatives that have improved the welfare of teachers, including the regular and timely payment of salaries, the 13th-month bonus, the release of backlog promotions, the implementation of the harmonized retirement age of 40 years of service or 65 years of age, the payment of a minimum wage of N85,000, the appointment of teachers as permanent secretaries, and the completion of the Teachers’ House.
However, Comrade Samuel appealed to the Governor to address the shortage of teachers in some schools by recruiting at least 20,000 new teachers to fill the existing gaps. He also assured that teachers in the state remain committed to delivering quality education to all students.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ipeghari G. Igenewari, commended teachers for their lasting impact on students, stating that “what teachers invest into the lives of students is eternal.” He encouraged them to promote teamwork and collaboration in their profession.
The highlight of the 2025 World Teachers Day celebration was the conferment of awards, including the “Chalkboard to the State” and the “Teachers Golden Pen Award,” presented to His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, DSSRS. The event also featured a match pass competition among teachers from different local government areas, where Ikwerre LGA took first place, Obio/Akpor LGA came second, and Oyigbo LGA placed third.
