BY ISAN CARLOS
THE Local Education Authority (LEA) Secretary in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Christopher Ekamagwule, has reiterated the central role of teachers in shaping society, describing them as the true learned profession and the bedrock of national development.
Addressing teachers during the conference of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ika North East Local Government Area, held at Owa Model Secondary School, Boji- Boji Owa, Ekamagwule, emphasized that he regards teaching as his constituency, saying that teachers are learned gentlemen. He opined that teachers are more learned than many who traditionally lay claim to the title.
He noted that his passion for the profession goes beyond duty, saying “I’m a teacher and will remain one. Even if there is a reincarnation, I will come again as a teacher.”
Speaking on the values and responsibilities of the profession, the LEA secretary posed critical questions on the true meaning of being a teacher. He defined a teacher as “an individual who imparts knowledge, skills and competencies to students,” stressing that not everyone who bears the name practices the profession faithfully.
Ekamagwule challenged educators to always engage in self-assessment, saying that “a teacher who does not have lesson notes, or one using a lesson note prepared months or years ago is not really a teacher”.
He questioned the sincerity of individuals who neglect their teaching duties, insisting that a true teacher must be forward-looking and dedicated to the intellectual growth of learners.
According to him, “teachers are the bedrock of the nation. Whether at the primary, secondary or tertiary level, teachers carry a heavy responsibility. A bad teacher produces bad leaders.”
He stated that the consequences of poor teaching were evident in the quality of professionals produced across sectors. “If you see a bad doctor, he was taught by a bad teacher. A bad politician was taught by a bad teacher. Bad teachers are part of the problems of society,” he warned.
Despite the challenges, Ekamagwule reaffirmed his belief that teachers hold the power to transform society, beginning from the classroom. “Teachers are agents of change. They can change this society from the classroom. Teachers can take over society from the classroom,” he said, leaving the message as “food for thought” for the audience.
He expressed satisfaction at being an educator, noting that collaboration with members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ika North East has remained strong. “Since I came on board, we have worked together in synergy. As a teacher myself, I have always worked hand in hand with the NUT,” he said.
