World Teachers’ Day: Lagos NUT demands better schools, career structure

The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Monday hailed teachers as critical builders of individuals and society, even as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos state wing, demanded improved welfare, better school infrastructure and a clearer career structure.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr  Olufemi Kadri Hazmat, spoke at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the NUT Pavilion, Central Business District, Lagos.

The celebration, themed: “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future,” attracted teachers, government officials, education administrators, students and other stakeholders.

The governor, who was also the special guest of honour and chairman of the occasion, said teachers had played a decisive role in shaping his life and those of millions of Nigerians.

Recalling his early education at Old Papua New Guinea School in Mushin, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said one of his teachers left a lasting impression on him, adding that teachers do more than impart knowledge as they mould character, values and the future of their pupils.

He described Nigerian teachers as among the best globally, pointing to the continued demand for Nigerian professionals, including doctors, in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia as evidence of the strength of the country’s education system.