The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Staff School Board of Governors has pledged support for teachers’ career progression and welfare, including facilitating the advancement of those on level 13 to 14.

This is according to a statement on Tuesday by the Acting Director, Centre for Information Communication and Public Relations (CICPR) (YABATECH), Adekunle Adams.

Mr Adams said the Chairman, Board of Governors of the YABATECH Staff School and YCT Secondary School, Abiodun Ashiru, made the pledge during activities marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day in Lagos.

Mr Ashiru, who spoke on behalf of the rector, Ibraheem Abdul, said the celebration was an opportunity to recognise teachers for their dedication and sacrifices in shaping the lives of Nigerian youths.

He described teaching as a noble responsibility requiring dedication, compassion, discipline and commitment to learners’ development.

Mr Ashiru commended teachers for their resilience amid societal challenges, noting that they continued to impart knowledge, nurture talents, instil discipline and build students’ confidence.

He urged teachers to embrace digital technology, innovation, continuous professional development and contemporary teaching methods to remain relevant in a changing educational environment.

According to him, education should develop creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, good character and adaptability, beyond academic knowledge.

Mr Ashiru said the board recognised the link between teachers’ welfare, motivation, professional development and the quality of education in the two schools.

He assured teachers that the board would continue to work with school management and stakeholders to create an environment where excellence was recognised and rewarded.

The chairman also called for stronger collaboration among parents, teachers and school management to improve the educational experience of pupils and students.

Similarly, Principal of YCT Secondary School, Williams Oluyemi, urged teachers to remain committed despite challenges confronting the profession.

The Chairman of the school’s Parent-Teachers Forum (PTF), Pius Egiolamhen, represented by Bolanle Adeniran, commended teachers for their dedication.

He said the achievements of former students in higher institutions in Nigeria and abroad demonstrated the quality of work by the teaching staff.

The PTF donated 20 computer systems, 15 uninterruptible power supply units and N500,000 to the teachers.

The school also presented long-service awards and cash prizes to teaching and non-teaching staff who had served between 22 and 25 years.

At the YABATECH Staff School, the Head Teacher, Rasheed Adeniyi, announced that all 72 pupils presented for the Lagos State external examination passed, representing a 100 per cent success rate.

Mr Adeniyi attributed the achievement to the commitment of the teachers and strategic direction of the school leadership.

The Chairman of the Staff School’s PTA, Oluwole Olaleye, represented by Samuel Onyaiteru, also commended teachers for their patience, sacrifice and commitment.

Long-service awards and cash prizes were presented to teaching and non-teaching staff who had served between 25 and 32 years.

Responding on behalf of the teachers, the Social Welfare Officer, Olayemi Odebode, appreciated management for improvements in staff welfare.

She commended management for prompt salaries, 13th-month salary, Ramadan and Easter bonuses, promotions, salary increments, employment of additional teachers and payment of leave bonuses.

Mr Odebode, however, appealed for further improvements in infrastructure, including renovation of the playing ground, library and floors, as well as provision of furniture and additional computers.

The celebration brought together management, the board of governors, parents, teaching and non-teaching staff of the two schools to recognise teachers’ contributions and reaffirm commitment to welfare and quality education.

(NAN)