ABIA| October 5, 2026 —
Hon Onyekwere Akym Uche (OAU), an International business man, Politician and founder of the OAU foundation, has joined Nigerians and the global community in celebrating teachers on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, describing educators as indispensable builders of human capital and critical agents of national development.
OAU, in a goodwill message to mark the annual celebration, commended teachers for their dedication, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation, noting that their contributions extend beyond the transmission of academic knowledge to the development of character, discipline, creativity, critical thinking and responsible citizenship.
He observed that teachers occupy a strategic position in society because virtually every profession and sector of the economy depends on the quality of education received by individuals at the formative stages of their lives. He therefore called for greater recognition of the teaching profession and sustained investment in the welfare, training and professional development of educators.
According to Akym, the standard of education in any society cannot be separated from the quality and capacity of its teachers, stressing that governments and other stakeholders must create an environment where educators are adequately equipped and motivated to perform their responsibilities effectively.
“Teachers are among the most important builders of any nation because they do not merely impart knowledge; they shape minds, nurture character and prepare young people for the responsibilities of citizenship. Every doctor, engineer, lawyer, entrepreneur, public servant and professional begins the journey under the guidance of a teacher. We must therefore recognise teaching as a noble profession and give our educators the respect, support and opportunities for professional growth they deserve,” OAU said.
He further emphasised that meaningful educational reform must place teachers at the centre of policy and development strategies, particularly in an era where technology, artificial intelligence and changing global realities are transforming the learning process.
“Quality education begins with quality educators. If we want our children to compete successfully in a rapidly changing world, we must ensure that those entrusted with educating them are properly trained, adequately motivated and continuously exposed to modern teaching methods. Investment in teachers is investment in the future of our communities and our nation,” he stated.
Onyekwere Akym Uche also called for improved working conditions, regular capacity-building programmes, access to modern instructional materials and better learning environments for both teachers and students. He noted that while infrastructure and technology remain important components of educational development, the human element represented by competent and committed teachers remains indispensable.
He urged parents, governments, educational institutions, communities and other stakeholders to recognise their shared responsibility in strengthening the education system, stressing that teachers should not be left to shoulder the burden of educating the younger generation without commensurate institutional support.
The World Teachers’ Day celebration, he noted, should therefore serve not only as an occasion for commendation but also as a reminder of the need for concrete policies that enhance the dignity, welfare and professional capacity of teachers.
Akym extended his appreciation to teachers across Abia State and Nigeria for their sacrifices and contributions to nation-building, urging them to remain committed to excellence, integrity and continuous learning.
He reaffirmed that a society that genuinely desires sustainable development must give education the attention it deserves and, most importantly, empower the teachers who remain at the heart of the educational process.