Teachers in Kwara State have called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to recruit teachers into the vacancies created by retirements and other reasons and also adopt the templates of 65/40 years, “as presently being enjoyed in states like Osun, Adamawa, Zamfara, Kano, Anambra, Ondo, Kogi, Yobe, Kebbi, Akwa-lbom, Ebonyi, Delta, etc”.

The state NUT chairman, Comrade Yusuf Agboola, who made the demands in his statement at this year's World Teachers' Day held at NUT house Asa Dam road Ilorin, also sought for compensation for teachers in the state affected by the elimination of the fuel subsidy.

Other demands include "subsidy removal/palliative compensation for Kwara state teachers for June 2023 and subsequent months of two days weekly exemption of other workers not implemented as promised for Kwara teachers."

"There is no financial support for TESCOM promotions in 2021 and 2022, despite the fact that letters have been distributed to teachers."

"SUBEB promotions for teachers in 2022 are not being released."

"Non-payment of the remaining 275% arrears of SUBEB teachers' salaries, as promised by the State Government."

"Non-rectification of the causes of salary disparities between SUBEB and TESCOM teachers, as well as non-implementation of 27.5% TSA to all teachers, despite Mr. Governor's promise to do so during the previous year's World Teachers Day Celebration held at Banguet Hall of Government House in Ilorin."

“We suggest that a Committee of Education Stakeholders be constituted by Kwara State Government to unravel the factors responsible for the salary

disparities and make recommendations on the way out of the quagmire.

"Having listed some of our challenges, I wish to note that our meetings with some Education Stakeholders in the state during the Leadership Courtesy visits, not long ago, gave us opportunities to discuss the above pending issues and by the Grace of God, we believe that there may be light at the end of the tunnel" .

Professor Yahaya Alabi, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, stated in his lecture on 2023 World Teacher's Day celebration, "the teachers we need for the education we want: the global imperative to reverse teachers' shortage," that teachers the country needs should be dedicated to teaching and have good relationships with pupils/students.

"The teachers we need in the 21st century should have broad knowledge of the learners, have effective classroom management, have effective communication, arm himself/herself with effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues and parents and have licensure and professionalism"

The education expert, who lamented a teacher deficit in most public schools, suggested that teachers in the country be recognized and valued in order to reverse the trend.

He also stated that teachers' living wages should be addressed with a particular remuneration scale, and that education stakeholders should place an emphasis on training and retraining.

"Some other factors to reverse the trend of teachers' shortage include incentives and rewards, conducive working environment, professional development, autonomy and empowerment, clear communication, career advancement opportunities as well as prompt payment of retirement benefits" .

Professor Alabi stressed academic quality, professional qualification, and personal attributes as qualities that instructors in the country must possess in order to match global standards.

In his statement, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq thanked teachers in the state on World Teachers' Day, commending them for their hard work and renewed devotion to the responsibility of developing leaders and serving as beacons of light from the beginning of time.

The Governor also reiterated his commitment to the welfare of teachers and all workers in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye, urging them to remain the solid foundation stone from which every successful person sprouted and the fountain from which people draw knowledge.

"On this day and every day, I wish our teachers the best that life has to offer in terms of career fulfillment, grace, and good health." I guarantee our teachers that they will continue to be a major priority for our government. They are genuinely vital in the job of nation-building, and we are grateful for their years of great collaboration. They are really appreciated.

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"In line with the theme of this year's event, 'the teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage', we are committed to the ideal of not just hiring the best hands for the job, but we are also happy to making sure that they are paid as and when due, and given all the respect that they deserve."The declaration came to an end.