The member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has described teachers as important builders of the nation, saying their contribution to the development of Nigeria cannot be overemphasised.
Oseni, in a statement on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, to mark this year’s Teachers’ Day, said teachers occupy a special place in society because of the role they play in shaping the minds, character and future of young Nigerians.
He commended teachers for their commitment to the profession despite the challenges confronting the education sector, saying their efforts often go beyond what is seen in the classroom.
According to him, his interventions in the education sector have been guided by the belief that giving children access to a better learning environment is one of the most important investments any government or representative can make.
The lawmaker said his contributions in Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency include the construction of school infrastructure and classroom blocks as well as the provision of furniture, aimed at improving the learning environment for pupils and students.
He said his intervention had also focused on students from less privileged backgrounds, particularly those who could be forced to abandon their educational ambitions because of the cost of examinations and admission processes.
“In line with my commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial constraints, I have sponsored over 2,000 JAMB forms and more than 1,500 WAEC forms for indigent students. Beyond this, our scholarship and educational support schemes have continued to assist brilliant but underprivileged students at various levels,” the statement said.
The APC chieftain, however, said one of the most rewarding aspects of the intervention was seeing beneficiaries progress through different stages of their education, recalling the case of a beneficiary who had enjoyed consistent support and is expected to become a PhD holder from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, this year.
It continued, “this success story is a source of great joy and motivation. It confirms that consistent investment in education yields lasting results. When we support a student from secondary school through tertiary education and beyond, we are not just changing one life, we are transforming families and communities”.
Oseni congratulated teachers on the occasion, assuring them that education would remain a priority in his public service, while calling for greater support for teachers and sustained investment in the sector.
He said every child, irrespective of family background, should have the opportunity to receive quality education and build a better future.