PRESS RELEASE

Thursday,

28th August, 2025 

His Royal Highness, the Aguma of Bassa, Dr. David Wodi Tukura, attended the Induction Program of New Teachers organized by the Teachers Service Commission of Nasarawa State. The Executive Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, was the Special Guest of Honour, while His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, JSC (RTD) CFR, served as the Royal Father of the Day.

Delivering the Opening Remarks, the Aguma Bassa emphasized the importance of creating a strong connection between Nigeria’s National Strategic Objectives (NNSO) and what is taught in the classroom. He underscored the need for the nation to critically reflect on fundamental questions: What do we want to be as a country? Where are we now? Where are we going? How are we going to get there? And what kind of teachers do we need to guide us along this journey?

He further remarked, “Show me your teachers and I will show you where you are going.” Stressing that a country where teachers are the lowest-paid workers has no future, he maintained that teacher training and welfare must form a core part of the national strategy.

The Aguma Bassa also observed that Nigeria’s National Strategic Objectives must be reflected in two key areas: first, the academic and skills preparation of teachers, beginning from the training colleges; and second, the establishment of a remuneration and reward system that supports the life cycle of a teacher, from recruitment to retirement. He called for the institution of a realistic wage and salary structure that would culminate in an incremental retirement package, describing this as fundamental to the teaching profession.

In addition, he emphasized the urgent need to provide a conducive physical and infrastructural environment for learning, as well as a modern technical environment that would enable innovative teaching.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Ahmed, the first female Secretary to the State Government and a former Commissioner for Education. The Emir of Lafia, who served as the Royal Father of the Day, and His Excellency, the Governor, both expressed pride in the Opening Remarks delivered by the Aguma Bassa, describing the Nasarawa State Council of Emirs and Chiefs as the best in the country.

The occasion was a proud moment for the Bassa people, as their brothers and sisters in Lafia came out in large numbers to welcome and support their royal father.

Signed:

Emmanuel Williams G.

Media & Publicity II, TCTA Youth vanguard.