Lagos State University of Education Marks World Teachers’ Day with Call for Collaboration
The Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) commemorated the 2025 World Teachers’ Day with a ceremony held at its Ijaniki campus. The event’s theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” emphasized the importance of teamwork and mutual support in the education sector. According to Prof. Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, Vice-Chancellor of LASUED, the quality of education is directly linked to the welfare and professional standing of teachers.
Prof. Lafiaji-Okuneye disclosed that no teacher in Lagos State earns less than N150,000, highlighting the state’s efforts to provide a good salary structure for educators. However, she acknowledged that despite these efforts, many teachers in Nigeria still face challenges such as inadequate preparation, poor working conditions, and limited access to professional development opportunities. The Vice-Chancellor stressed the need for collaboration among teachers, policymakers, and the community to address these issues and elevate the teaching profession.
The Guest Speaker, Prof. Adewale Gbenga, identified different types of teachers, including beginner, proficient, mentor, and distinguished teachers, and emphasized the importance of understanding students’ needs. He also discussed various levels of collaboration, including teacher-to-teacher and student-to-teacher collaborations, which can lead to better support for students and enhanced teacher morale.
Prof. Lafiaji-Okuneye called for collaboration in three critical areas: teacher-to-teacher, school-community, and teacher-policymaker. She suggested that the government and funding agencies invest in modern teaching resources and infrastructure, such as digital learning tools and well-equipped science and technology laboratories. The Vice-Chancellor proposed that 20% of the annual education budget be allocated towards upgrading classroom infrastructure, starting from the 2026 fiscal year.
The ceremony was attended by members of the university’s management and staff, who gathered to celebrate the contributions of teachers and discuss ways to improve the education system. As the world marks World Teachers’ Day, the emphasis on collaboration and mutual support serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork in shaping the future of education. By working together, educators, policymakers, and the community can create a more effective and supportive learning environment, ultimately benefiting students and society as a whole.