World Teachers’ Day: Celebrating young Teachers, shaping local community education 

Local education is crucial for the development of communities as it provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their specific cultural and socioeconomic environments. It promotes understanding of local history, traditions, and values, which strengthens community identity and cohesion. Additionally, local education helps address region-specific challenges by equipping students with relevant problem-solving abilities, fostering innovation, and encouraging civic participation. On Teachers’ Day, we pause to celebrate the educators who shape the future through their dedication, passion, and commitment to nurturing the next generation. In this feature, we spotlight four remarkable educators who share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations as they guide their students toward brighter futures. Their stories remind us of the crucial role teachers play in building both individuals and local societies.

Olasinde Stella Abosede

An Educator at Global Leaders Academy, Osun State

“I teach Geography and Basic Technology with passion,” says Olasinde Stella Abosede, who has been in the teaching profession for 14 years. Abosede holds both a BTech and MTech in Urban and Regional Planning from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. Reflecting on her journey into teaching, she shares, “I fell in love with teaching after my youth service, and since then, it’s been an honour to impact young lives.”

Abosede sees teaching as the foundation of society, stressing that “a teacher is the nation-builder.” She believes that every profession passes through a teacher, and that educators are pivotal in building greater destinies and a stronger society.

Her most unforgettable moment came when a former student, now in the USA, surprised her on her birthday. “It was a great moment of joy, knowing I had impacted someone so positively that they remembered me from afar,” she recalls.

When it comes to honouring teachers, Abosede insists that teachers deserve more recognition: “Awards, gifts, and appreciation, rather than being looked down upon, are essential in recognising the hard work teachers put into shaping futures.”

Aanuoluwapo Adekanbi

An English Language Teacher at Nawairudeen Grammar School, Ifo

With five years of teaching experience, Aanuoluwapo Adekanbi is passionate about shaping young minds and helping students build strong language skills. “I chose to teach English because it has always been my favourite subject,” she explains. “Language is a powerful tool for communication, self-expression, and understanding the world.”

For Adekanbi, teachers are not only educators but also mentors, role models, and guides. “We help prepare individuals to contribute meaningfully to society by fostering critical thinking and building students’ confidence,” she says.

One of her most fulfilling moments as a teacher was partnering with an NGO to provide desks and chairs for her students, improving their learning environment. “Seeing the joy on my students’ faces was incredibly fulfilling,” she says. She has also organized vocational skills training and menstrual hygiene education programs for her students, empowering them with practical knowledge.

Adekanbi believes that teachers can be honoured through recognition of their tireless efforts, but also by investing in professional development and providing resources that support their work. “Recognition, whether through awards or community appreciation, makes a significant difference,” she notes.

Adebayo Adeyemi

An Educator at Day Stars Private Schools, Osogbo

Adebayo Adeyemi teaches Mathematics at the junior level and has over three years of experience. Though he studied Environmental Biology at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, he developed a passion for teaching after starting his career as an educator.

“I prefer to be called an educator because it’s not limited to the classroom,” Adeyemi says. “As educators, we play a role in shaping not only the academic but also the social and moral aspects of students’ lives.”

While Adeyemi does not have a particular unforgettable moment, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sacrifices teachers make. “Educators deserve the best, whether in cash, kind, promotions, or awards. We spend time understanding students’ strengths and weaknesses and helping them become better individuals,” he affirms.

Odedina Emmanuel

Teacher at Luboton Group of Schools,Ogun State

Odedina Emmanuel, who teaches Government, Economics, and Civic Education, has been in the teaching profession for four years. His academic background is in Economics and Political Science, and he chose teaching to mentor students who, in his view, are losing interest in education.

“Many young minds need mentorship, and as a teacher, I found that I could help mould these minds and give them direction,” he says. Emmanuel believes that teachers play a parental role in students’ lives, guiding them in how they speak, behave, and believe. “Whatever the child becomes is what the society is filled with,” he states.

One of his most unforgettable moments involved students who had once been given up on but later excelled, which he found inspiring. “The words written in the gifts they gave me on my birthday touched me deeply,” he adds.

To better honour teachers, Emmanuel advocates for improved pay, better opportunities, and respect for the profession. “Teachers should be well paid, given better opportunities, and not treated as mere employees. School owners should provide access to resources that help teachers succeed,” he suggests. He also calls for more significant honours, such as gifting teachers land, houses, or cars, especially on Teachers’ Day.

World Teachers’ Day serves as a global reminder of the invaluable role teachers play in shaping both communities and the future of local education. Celebrated annually on October 5th, this day highlights the dedication, hard work, and influence of educators in nurturing the minds of tomorrow’s leaders. Teachers not only impart knowledge but also instill values, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility in their students, profoundly impacting society. As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, it is essential to recognize and honour these unsung heroes who lay the foundation for progress and development in every community.