The Kokoeka Nasa‑Okolie Educational Foundation (KONEF) on Monday marked World Teachers’ Day with a colourful ceremony in Abuja, aligning its activities with this year’s global theme: “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future.”
The event drew educators, school owners, education stakeholders and well‑wishers for a programme designed to celebrate teachers’ contributions, reflect on the realities of the profession and promote policies and partnerships that support professional growth.
Delivering the keynote on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, CON, Mr. Adoyi Ofikwu, Director of the Tertiary Education Department at the Federal Ministry of Education and member of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) Governing Council, affirmed the importance of the annual observance.
He described teachers as “the heartbeat of the education system” and said the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is committed to restoring dignity to the profession through improved welfare, professional development and recognition.
Speaking on “Building a Lasting Teaching Career: The Value of Stability, Professional Growth and the Future of the Profession,” Mr. Adoyi urged collaboration among educators, families, communities and government, and called for unity and professionalism in line with Nigeria’s national priorities.
A representative of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) praised KONEF’s initiative and reminded teachers to adhere to professional standards, ethics and continuous development, describing teaching foremost as a service.
KONEF founder Dr. Rosemary Nasa‑Okolie outlined the foundation’s goals to strengthen teaching, promote inclusive learning and expand access to quality basic education.
She highlighted partnerships with TRCN for teacher registration and with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to provide affordable healthcare and free maternity services for teachers and their families.
Dr. Nasa‑Okolie also announced a teachers’ housing scheme: KONEF has secured land through an estate manager for sale to subscribers at 2 million naira payable over three years, aimed at enabling teachers to own property within the FCT.
She encouraged teachers to develop professional stability and pride, warned against frequent job‑hopping and urged them to focus on career development.
The ceremony included cultural displays and a march‑past by participating schools, raffle draws and awards.
As a special gesture, Engr. Chinasaokwu Innocent Okolie, chairman of Beautiful Beginning Academy and partner in KONEF’s work, made partial payments toward land purchases for two teachers under the housing scheme.
Guests included representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, TRCN, NHIS, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (FCT Council) and staff from participating schools such as Beautiful Beginning Academy, Milestone Academy Gwarinpa, Jimmik Surestart Academy, Gracemade International School and Premier Academy, Abuja.
The celebration closed on a jubilant note, leaving teachers recognised and encouraged to continue their vital role in nation‑building.
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