President Muhammadu Buhari has explained that the N-Power Teach Volunteer scheme which his government has established under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) is aimed at addressing an obvious deficit in teachers across the country.The President, who spoke today, January 14, when he hosted the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), at the presidential villa, Abuja, acknowledged that Nigeria had a deficit of teachers, which his administration is addressing through the N-Power Teach Volunteers scheme under National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).
“We have created a dedicated platform under the National Social Investment Programme called N-Power Teach, which engages qualified graduates to man the gaps of basic education delivery in Nigeria.
“These N-Power Teach Volunteers are deployed as teacher assistants in primary schools across Nigeria to support existing teachers.
“The aim of this, and many other Government programmes, is to increase the teacher-student ratio at the primary school level thereby enhancing the quality of students moving to secondary schools.
“I want to take this opportunity to ask all members of Nigeria Union of Teachers to support these programmes and encourage as many qualified and willing graduates to enrol in the teaching profession.”
President Buhari described the teaching profession as one of the noblest of professions, saying: “it shapes the character, calibre and future of individuals and nations. You and I were all taught by teachers who moulded our persons and influenced our future. No price is too high for good rewards.”
The President paid tribute to teachers who he said have been at the forefront in cultivating young minds to be innovative and inventive.
“Today, we live in a dynamic world where science and technology drives innovations that virtually touch every aspect of our lives.
“The foundations of today’s changes can be attributed to teachers who, decades ago, in one way or another, shaped the minds of young men and women who eventually grew to become global innovators and inventors from whose works we are benefiting today.
“Nigerians, both at home and abroad, are part of this global breed of impactful change agents.
“Almost everyday, Nigerians are inventing new products or improving existing ones. It is, therefore, our collective duty to continue to encourage and cultivate these minds, by increasing resources available for research and development and improving work environment.”
“We have created a dedicated platform under the National Social Investment Programme called N-Power Teach, which engages qualified graduates to man the gaps of basic education delivery in Nigeria.
“These N-Power Teach Volunteers are deployed as teacher assistants in primary schools across Nigeria to support existing teachers.
“The aim of this, and many other Government programmes, is to increase the teacher-student ratio at the primary school level thereby enhancing the quality of students moving to secondary schools.
“I want to take this opportunity to ask all members of Nigeria Union of Teachers to support these programmes and encourage as many qualified and willing graduates to enrol in the teaching profession.”
President Buhari described the teaching profession as one of the noblest of professions, saying: “it shapes the character, calibre and future of individuals and nations. You and I were all taught by teachers who moulded our persons and influenced our future. No price is too high for good rewards.”
The President paid tribute to teachers who he said have been at the forefront in cultivating young minds to be innovative and inventive.
“Today, we live in a dynamic world where science and technology drives innovations that virtually touch every aspect of our lives.
“The foundations of today’s changes can be attributed to teachers who, decades ago, in one way or another, shaped the minds of young men and women who eventually grew to become global innovators and inventors from whose works we are benefiting today.
“Nigerians, both at home and abroad, are part of this global breed of impactful change agents.
“Almost everyday, Nigerians are inventing new products or improving existing ones. It is, therefore, our collective duty to continue to encourage and cultivate these minds, by increasing resources available for research and development and improving work environment.”
