Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has joined the global celebration of World Teachers’ Day, urging renewed focus on the “pressing global teacher shortage” and advocating for immediate action to address the challenge.
In a statement issued to journalists on Sunday, the First Lady paid glowing tribute to teachers across Nigeria, describing them as “true heroes, shaping minds, nurturing dreams, and guiding generations.”
Marking the 2025 World Teachers’ Day themed “Focusing on the Global Teacher Shortage,” Mrs Tinubu, who proudly identified as a lifelong teacher, highlighted the urgent need for greater investment in education, teacher empowerment, and policies that attract new talent to the profession.
“The shortage of teachers is a challenge we must confront with urgency — by empowering educators, investing in their growth, and inspiring more to join this noble profession,” the statement read.
She emphasised that teachers play a critical role in nation-building and the development of future generations, adding that their welfare and career progression must remain a national priority.
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“On this World Teachers’ Day 2025, the call to action is clear: more must be done to elevate the teaching profession. As a lifelong teacher myself, I salute you all on this special day. Happy World Teachers’ Day,” she said.
World Teachers’ Day is commemorated annually on 5 October and was established in 1994 to mark the signing of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. The day serves as a global platform to recognise the invaluable contributions of teachers and reflect on the challenges they face.
This year’s theme puts a spotlight on the worldwide shortage of qualified educators — a crisis that has implications for the delivery of quality education and the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating educators, the First Lady’s message reinforces the need for stronger support systems, adequate training, and sustained recognition for teachers across all levels.
