Prof. T. V. Bakare Calls for Improved Teachers’ Welfare and Professional Development at FTC Yaba’s 2026 World Teachers’ Day Celebration

Prof. T. V. Bakare, Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) of Federal Technical College (FTC), Yaba, Lagos, has emphasised the need for greater recognition, improved welfare, and continuous professional development for teachers, describing them as indispensable contributors to the development of individuals, institutions, and nations.

She made this known in her address during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration and the recognition of retired staff of the College, held on Monday, 5 October 2026, at the College’s Multipurpose Hall.

The event brought together members of the College management, teachers, non-teaching staff, distinguished retirees, institutional partners, and students to celebrate serving educators and honour those whose years of dedicated service had contributed to the institution’s growth and achievements.

Speaking on the significance of the celebration, Prof. Bakare highlighted the themes of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day: the Federal Ministry of Education’s theme, “Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa’s Future,” and UNESCO’s 60th-anniversary theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Futures.”

She noted that the themes underscored the importance of teaching as a noble calling and a powerful instrument for transforming society. She explained that teachers do more than impart knowledge, as they also shape character, promote discipline, develop practical skills, and prepare young people to become responsible citizens. According to her, the future of Africa depends significantly on the quality of education provided to its younger generations and the support given to those responsible for delivering it.

Prof. Bakare stressed the importance of empowering teachers through regular training, technological advancement, and innovative teaching methods. She maintained that educators must continually update their knowledge and skills to meet the changing demands of the classroom and the modern workplace. She further emphasized that teachers in technical institutions such as FTC Yaba must remain relevant to industry needs by embracing digital skills, modern instructional techniques, and continuous professional development. She noted that investing in teachers’ professional growth would improve teaching effectiveness and help students acquire the technical competencies required for employment, entrepreneurship, and national development.

The SBMC Chairman also drew attention to the need to restore the dignity, welfare, and status of the teaching profession. She observed that teachers carry enormous responsibilities, often working beyond regular hours to provide additional lessons, assess students’ work, supervise activities, and mentor learners. She maintained that the sacrifices made by teachers deserve greater appreciation from government, parents, students, and society at large. She therefore emphasized the importance of improved remuneration, better working conditions, healthcare, career progression, professional recognition, and adequate retirement benefits.

While acknowledging the popular belief that a teacher’s reward is in heaven, her message highlighted the need for society to demonstrate appreciation through practical support and meaningful improvements in teachers’ welfare. Prof. Bakare acknowledged the commitment of teachers at FTC Yaba, noting their contributions to educating, training, disciplining, and preparing students for productive careers and responsible adulthood. She recognized the extra effort teachers put into mentoring students, conducting additional lessons, supervising practical activities, and ensuring that learners receive the guidance and support necessary for success. She also encouraged students to demonstrate appreciation for their teachers through respect, discipline, hard work, and excellent academic performance, rather than limiting their appreciation to gifts and ceremonial celebrations. She observed that the impact of teachers extends across generations, as professionals in various fields including engineering, medicine, entrepreneurship, and technology have benefited from the guidance of educators. 

The celebration also provided an opportunity to honour retired staff whose years of dedicated service had contributed to the development and achievements of FTC Yaba. Prof. Bakare acknowledged that the retirees had served in various capacities, including teaching, administration, technical services, health, kitchen and maintenance. She noted that their commitment and professionalism had helped build and sustain the institution while preserving its values and traditions. She described retirement as the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of meaningful service. She encouraged the retirees to use the period for rest, reflection, personal fulfilment, and renewed purpose while continuing to share their knowledge and experience through mentoring and community engagement.

She also expressed the hope that the retirees would enjoy good health, long life, financial stability, peace of mind, and fulfilment in this new phase of life. Prof. Bakare highlighted the importance of sustaining the College’s tradition of excellence, reflected in its motto: “In FTC, Yaba, only the best is good enough.”

She emphasized that the continued success of the institution requires collective responsibility and cooperation among management, teachers, parents, students, old students, government, and institutional partners. She noted that building an institution where teachers thrive and students excel requires sustained investment in education, respect for educators, and a shared commitment to quality and innovation. The celebration reaffirmed the importance of recognizing teachers’ contributions, protecting the teaching profession, and appreciating retired staff whose service has helped lay the foundation for the institution’s continued growth.

In conclusion, Prof. Bakare congratulated serving teachers on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day and commended the retirees for their meritorious years of service. She expressed the hope that serving teachers would continue to receive the strength, wisdom, and encouragement needed to shape Africa’s future, while retirees would enjoy a peaceful and rewarding retirement. She also offered prayers for God’s continued blessings upon the teachers, retirees, Federal Technical College, Yaba, Nigeria, and Africa.