Dean, Post Graduate School of the University of Ibadan, Professor Olajide Olorunnisola, has described teaching at any level as a major profession in the world.
Olorunnisola said this on Friday, while delivering a lecture titled "The Role of Professionals in National Development", at the inauguration of the 2011-2013 Executives / Award Lecture of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), Ibadan chapter.
During the inauguration, Olorunnisola admonished the the newly-elected executives to rise up to the demands and responsibilities placed on them by fellow members.
He also enjoined the Federal Government to pay attention to the welfare of teachers at all levels, owing to the task of moulding and mentoring young minds of tomorrow.
"Moreover, professionals are advised to play the role of watchdogs in the society by the virtue of the vantage position they occupy. This will contribute to the development of the society, especially in this corrupt generation," Olorunnisola added.
This is a reality anywhere in the world. Teachers are moulders and sharpers of professionals. Without the teachers, there may not be professionals. We should also note that teaching is not limited to school environment but also exists in the industry.
The federal government must make the teaching profession a honourable one, by making teachers salaries and welfare packages lucrative.
In western countries, teachers are among the highest paid civil servants.