By Bilkusu M. Usman

Nasarawa state commissioner of education, Mrs Rebecca Isaac Umaru said, greater attention should be given to teachers in view of the crucial role they play in the development of the nation and orientation of its citizens.

The commissioner stated this last week in Lafia at the 10th Annual Graduation/Speech and Prize giving ceremony and launching of the maiden magazine of National Nursery and Primary schools Lafia in Nasarawa state.

Mrs. Rebecca who was represented by the deputy director of schools, Mrs Rebecca Alu, spoke on the topic: Building a solid foundation for brighter future. She noted that, building a solid foundation for children should be seen as a process of changing their attitudes and application of these changes for societal good.

She said, the state government had continued to spend huge amount of fund in the education sector to provide textbooks/equipment, renovate schools, employ teachers in order to provide quality education for the people.

She called on the parents to assist in the education of their children stressing that teachers alone cannot succeed without consistent parental involvement.

Speaking at the occasion, Nasarawa state commissioner of police, Alhaji Shehu Babalola advised teachers to justify the confidence reposed on them by parents.

The father of the day at the event, the Emir of Lafia Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai 1 urged schools authorities and teachers to put in more efforts at providing qualitative education to children.

The emir who was represented by Hon. Labaran Maina (Jakadan Lafia) expressed concern on the prevelence of cultism in educational institutions, adding that, all efforts should be made to check the ugly situation.

He then called on teachers and parents to always monitor the activities of the pupils and students to nip in the bud tendencies towards cultism.

In his remarks, the Turakin Lafia Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Usman Sandaji said the recent resolution of the prolonged nation-wide teachers strike was commendable, saying the teachers strike had dealt a great blow to the educational development of the nation.

He urged the teachers to always show regards and understanding, pointing out that there are many other competing needs on the scarce resources of government.

Earlier in her remarks, the proprietress of the school, Mrs Veronica Anabe commended the efforts of Parents- Teachers Association (PTA) for their valuable support and contribution towards the growth and development of the school.

Mrs. Anabe stated that the conduct of teachers in the school has improved the moral standard and academic performance of the pupils.

As part of efforts to acknowledge their contribution to the development of education, some prominent individuals were presented with awards. They included, the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai I, awarded father of peace; the commissioner for education Mrs Rebecca Isaac Umaru mother of education; the commissioner of police Nasarawa state command Alhaji Shehu Babalola lion on guard while the Turakin Lafia, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Usman Sandaji was honoured with the pillar of education award.