As Nigeria joins the world to celebrate International Teachers’ Day on October 5, the STEM Teachers Rewards and Empowerment Foundation (STREF) International has reiterated its commitment to honoring educators as “nation builders and change agents.”
Speaking ahead of the commemoration, Founder and President of STREF Global, Love Odion, said this year’s celebration carries special weight amid Nigeria’s education challenges. She stressed that teachers, though the foundation of every profession, are often undervalued and unrewarded.
“International Teachers’ Day is not just ceremonial; it is a moral obligation. Teachers are the bedrock of every profession, yet they are undervalued and overburdened. Our goal is to rewrite the narrative and remind society that teachers are heroes,” Odion said.
To mark the occasion, STREF will host the 4th edition of its International Teachers’ Day Novelty Match in three Nigerian cities: Kano, Abuja, and Uyo. The matches, designed to foster unity and wellness, will be held on October 4 at Aztec Sports Centre, Ibrahim Dabo Road, Kano; on October 11 at Guards Brigade Mambilla Barracks Football Field, Asokoro, Abuja; and on October 25 at Community Comprehensive Secondary School Football Field, Uyo.
Beyond sports, STREF will stage the 6th Education Heroes Award in Kano on November 1, 2025. The red-carpet event will spotlight exceptional teachers through award presentations, panel discussions, and celebrations of resilience, innovation, and excellence in the profession.
Odion emphasized that the celebrations also serve as a call to action for government and policymakers. She outlined key demands such as fair and prompt remuneration, housing and healthcare schemes, modern teaching tools, continuous professional training, and legal as well as social elevation of teachers’ status.
“These are not luxuries; they are necessities if Nigeria must have a progressive educational sector,” she warned, highlighting poor pay, overcrowded classrooms, delayed salaries, lack of infrastructure, and minimal career growth opportunities as pressing concerns.
She further cautioned that neglecting teachers could endanger Nigeria’s future. “If government fails to act, we risk a future where education collapses, bright minds abandon teaching, and generations are raised without proper guidance. Neglecting teachers today means breeding mediocrity tomorrow,” she said.
Looking ahead, Odion expressed hope that the celebrations would inspire a cultural shift from pity to pride in teaching, motivating students to embrace the profession and society to give teachers the recognition they deserve.
“Teachers are not laborers; they are leaders. Celebrating them is not just about today; it is about securing the future of our nation,” she affirmed.