By CHARLES IWUOHA

A United Kingdom-based Nigerian Researcher, Dr. Obinna Ogbonnia, has harped on the need to prioritize teachers’ welfare and improved learning facilities in the nation's basic schools and universities.

Dr. Ogbonnia, a Lecturer at Swansea University, United Kingdom, made the call at the weekend during a training tagged "Ebonyi Teachers First" held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State, capital.

The Researcher noted that investing on teacher remains the best approach on the move to achieve standardization in Nigeria educational system.

He expressed worry the way teachers have not been receiving empowerment and adequate training for career growth, urging all hands to be on deck.

"Teachers need some of these basic needs to enhance career and teaching. Such needs include food, clothing and shelters.

"How many teachers across states can boost of having a house or land property?" the Researcher asked.

Ogbonnia noted that there was always need to recognize the teachers as the drivers and the brain box of the society.

He, therefore gave out N1 million as gift to one Mrs. Alice Awaza, the oldest teacher at the programme.

She, who is currently a teacher in Ohofia Community Primary school, Ukawu, Onicha local government area of Ebonyi has served for 32 years.

Awaza started her teaching career in 1992.Our correspondent reports that nine other teachers from different primary and secondary schools received Hp laptop each to support their teachings.

Also speaking, Prof. Daniel Nwibo, Provost of the College of Health Science, Ebonyi state University (EBSU), said that teachers deserve better condition of services, not only in the State, but in Nigeria at large.

Nwibo described teachers as “builders of the society.”

Prof. Godwin Onu, a lecturer at the Political Science Department of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, who spoke on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), said it was necessary to address the challenges of ICT in teaching processes in the country.

Onu noted that ICT could make teaching and learning easier and help in bringing more access to global knowledge in educational system.

"Students get learning updates easier. So, government need to enhance teachers capacity through ICT and to enable them meet the global trend in teaching and learning," he said.

One of the participants, Awaza, the Oldest Teacher in the community, thanked the organizer and urged for more advanced training for members in the rural communities.