By joshua 
Teachers’ Day: UN Chief Hails Teachers
Ayo Ola
Country President of United-Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC), Amb. Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has commended teachers for their strategic role in societal, national and global growth.
In her special letter to the teachers on the 2024 Teachers’ Day Celebration which was made available to journalists on Sunday, she congratulated teachers for a successful celebration of their day and for their patience, perseverance and dedication to the education of their pupils and students.
Adesanya-Davies, who is a Professor of Applied Linguistics, Department of English and Communication Arts, Faculty of Humanities, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Port Harcourt, Rivers State further said that teachers are strategic to societal, national and global positive transformation.
She stated that they play a prominent role in nurturing and educating their pupils and students.
lauded teachers for their tireless efforts, dedication, and passion for shaping minds and transforming lives of pupils and students all over the globe.
She said: “As an educator, the Country President of UN-POLAC and former presidential candidate, I recognize the vital role you are playing in nation-building. You’ve been building our students, fostering inclusive societies, and promoting sustainable development.
“Your selflessness, creativity, and commitment to excellence have positively impacted countless students, families, and communities.
“Thank you for inspiring curiosity and critical thinking; nurturing talents and potentials; building confidence and character; fostering global citizenship and social responsibility as well as pioneering innovative teaching methods everywhere.”
She added: “Always remember your contributions to education yield transformative returns for individuals, societies, and nations.”
The don said education is the foundation upon which individuals, communities, and nations build their futures, adding that its importance cannot be overstated.
She stated that education has many individual benefits which include: Empowerment as it gives individuals the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions and economic opportunities since educated individuals have better job prospects and higher earning potential.
According to her, education provides personal growth as it fosters critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
She added that it enhances health and well-being since educated individuals make healthier lifestyle choices.
She also said that education builds individual morals and mortality.
Adesanya-Davies said education has societal benefits which include economic development as educated populations contribute to economic growth and innovation and social cohesion since education promotes tolerance, understanding, and social mobility.
She added that it provides civic engagement by encouraging educated citizens to participate in democratic processes and community development and reduce by bridging gaps between socioeconomic groups as well as reducing social vices such as terrorism and terrorist activities.
Adesanya-Davies said: “Education has national benefits. It enhances human capital development: Education develops skilled workforce for national progress.
“It encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. Educated populations drive innovation and economic growth.
“Educations also stimulates global competitiveness. It enhances national competitiveness in the global economy. It also leads to sustainable development. Education supports environmental sustainability and resource management.”
The UN chief said that education had global benefits. Noting that it encourages peace and conflict resolution, she added that education promotes global understanding and peaceful resolution.
She opined that it enhances cultural exchange, adding that education facilitates cross-cultural exchange and cooperation; leads to global citizenship as it fosters global responsibility and solidarity.
According to her it addresses global challenges as it equips individuals to tackle global issues (climate change, poverty, health).
“As we commemorate this day, I encourage you all to continue your commitment in all ramifications; and together, let’s celebrate teaching as a noble profession and recognize its transformative power today and always.
“Happy International Teachers’ Day Teachers!”