The State Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Ondo State, Comrade Amuda Tairu Abiola, JP, has called for stronger commitment to teachers’ welfare, professional development, career progression and improved working conditions as part of efforts to reposition the education sector in the state.
Abiola made the call while delivering his address at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Ondo State, held under the theme: “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.” He said the theme was a reminder that building a better society begins with supporting the men and women responsible for educating and shaping future generations.
The ASUSS chairman described teachers as “nation builders,” stressing that virtually every successful professional passed through the hands of a teacher. He noted that teaching goes beyond a mere occupation, as it requires knowledge, patience, discipline, sacrifice and dedication to the development of children and society.
According to him, standing with teachers should go beyond celebrating them annually, but must involve listening to their experiences, understanding classroom realities and ensuring that teachers are meaningfully involved in the formulation of education policies. He reaffirmed ASUSS’ commitment to constructive engagement, dialogue and partnership with government and other stakeholders for the advancement of education in Ondo State.
A major demand highlighted by the union leader was the development and implementation of a comprehensive Teaching Service Rule for Ondo State. Abiola explained that such a framework would clearly define career progression, promotion, transfer, discipline, retirement, responsibilities, rights and conditions of service, thereby strengthening professionalism and providing greater clarity for teachers.
He also commended government for steps already taken in the areas of teachers’ promotion and the appointment of Tutors-General, as well as efforts to improve access to car and housing loans. However, he called for further improvement in teachers’ welfare, including appropriate career advancement to Grade Level 17, where applicable, and sustained professional development opportunities.
Abiola advocated regular government-sponsored workshops, seminars, conferences, refresher courses and capacity-building programmes for teachers and education administrators across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state. He noted that the rapid changes in technology, artificial intelligence and modern learning methods make continuous training essential for teachers to remain effective in the classroom.
On welfare, the ASUSS chairman stressed that teachers’ wellbeing must go beyond monthly salaries to include housing, affordable credit, career advancement, professional development and conducive working environments. He disclosed that the union had continued to explore opportunities through institutions such as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to improve access to housing-related benefits and other welfare opportunities for serving teachers and retirees.
He further appealed for the timely payment of teachers’ leave bonus, preferably before subsequent school resumption periods, noting that such payment would assist teachers in meeting important family responsibilities, including school fees, books, uniforms and transportation for their children.
The ASUSS chairman also called for the development of a “Teachers’ Estate”, describing affordable housing for teachers as an important demonstration of government’s commitment to their dignity and welfare. He appealed to relevant authorities to pursue such a project to fruition, alongside the expansion of mortgage and housing opportunities for educators.
Abiola equally appealed for government and stakeholders to support the provision of an official ASUSS operational bus, explaining that the union operates across all 18 Local Government Areas and requires effective mobility for school visits, consultations, welfare interventions and other official responsibilities.
As ASUSS prepares to mark its 25th anniversary in Ondo State, the chairman said the milestone should be used not only for celebration but also for institutional renewal, recognition of outstanding teachers and education administrators, documentation of the union’s contributions and the establishment of enduring legacies for future generations.
He identified the completion and development of the ASUSS State Secretariat as one of the major objectives of the anniversary, describing the project as more than an office building. According to him, the secretariat should become a functional institutional centre equipped with meeting facilities, training spaces and other structures capable of supporting the long-term activities and sustainability of the union.
The ASUSS chairman also announced the union’s intention to promote a stronger culture of recognition by honouring outstanding teachers, principals, education administrators and other stakeholders who have distinguished themselves in the service of education. He said recognition would encourage excellence and inspire others to make greater contributions to the education system.
Addressing teachers across Ondo State, Abiola urged them to remain committed to professionalism, discipline, integrity, punctuality, dedication and excellence, stressing that their daily contributions have the power to transform the lives of individual children, families and entire communities.
He reaffirmed ASUSS’ commitment to constructive partnership with government and other stakeholders while listing key areas requiring continued attention, including teachers’ welfare, timely leave bonus, career progression, professional training, a comprehensive Teaching Service Rule, affordable housing, car and housing loans, an official union bus and completion of the ASUSS Secretariat.
The ASUSS chairman concluded by urging stakeholders to move beyond the celebration of World Teachers’ Day to concrete action that would protect the teaching profession, advance the status of teachers and strengthen the education system.
He declared: “When we strengthen teachers, we strengthen schools. When we strengthen schools, we strengthen our children. And when we strengthen our children, we strengthen the future of Ondo State.”
He wished teachers across Ondo State a happy World Teachers’ Day and prayed for God’s continued strength, wisdom and blessings upon teachers, their families, education administrators, government leaders and the state.
Discover more from Trace News Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
