A United Kingdom-based Nigerian researcher, Dr. Obinna Ogbonnia, has spoken of the need to prioritise teachers welfare and improve learning facilities in the nation’s basic schools and universities.

Dr Ogbonnia, a lecturer at Swansea University, United Kingdom, made the call at the weekend during a training tagged ‘Ebonyi Teachers First’, held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.

The researcher noted that investing in teachers remain the best approach towards achieving standardisation in Nigeria’s educational system.

He expressed concern that teachers have not been receiving empowerment and adequate training for career growth.

“Teachers need some of these basic needs to enhance career and teaching. Such needs include food, clothing and shelter.

“How many teachers across states can boost of having a house or land property?,” the researcher asked.

Ogbonnia noted that there is always need to recognise the teachers as the drivers and the brian box of the society.

He therefore gave out N1 million as gift to one Mrs Alice Awaza, the oldest teacher at the programme.

Awaza, who is currently a teacher in Ohofia Community Primary school, Ukawu, Onicha local government area of Ebonyi, has served for 32 years.

Awaza started her teaching career in 1992.

Nine other teachers from different primary and secondary schools received Hp laptop each to support their teachings.

Also speaking, Prof Daniel Nwibo, Provost, College of Health Science, Ebonyi state University, EBSU, said teachers deserve better condition of servicesl, not only in the state but Nigeria at large.

Nwibo described teachers as “builders” of the society.

Prof Godwin Onu, Lecturer, Political Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, who spoke on Information and Communication Technology, ICT, said it was necessary to address the challenges of ICT in teaching processes in the country.

Onu noted that ICT could make teaching and learning easier and help in bringing more access to global knowledge in educational system.

“Students get learning updates easier. So, government need to enhance teachers capacity through ICT and to enable them meet the global trend in teaching and learning,” he said.

One of the participants, a teacher known as Awaza, thanked the organiser and called for more advanced training for teachers in the rural communities.