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“Teachers are key to realising rights to education,” says NHRC boss Ojukwu
As Nigerian Teachers join their counterparts across the world to commemorate this year’s World Teachers’ Day, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has called on government at all levels to put adequate measures in place to create a more conducive environment for teachers to thrive, as the enjoyment of the right to education is hinged on their performance.
Dr. Ojukwu who made this call in Abuja on the eve of the commemoration said that the lack of trained and qualified teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the nation is becoming worrisome. He attributed this challenge to teachers leaving their profession to others, in search of better emoluments, thereby paving way for quacks to operate. “This day serves as a reminder of the importance of qualified teachers in achieving inclusive and equitable education that is sustainable” he emphasised.
He stated further that World Teachers’ Day is held annually on the 5th of October to celebrate teachers around the globe for their contributions to moulding of the society. According to him, it commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 International Labour Organization (ILO) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s Recommendations concerning the status of teachers.
The Learned Silk observed that as “we celebrate this year’s World Teachers’ Day, we ponder on transforming education as well as reflect on the support teachers need to develop their potentials while advancing the teaching profession”.
He reiterated the need for achieving Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, which recognized the importance of qualified teachers in achieving inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The Human Rights Chief further stated that NHRC recognizes that the realization of the right to education is based on quality teachers with the capacity to deliver quality education, this also requires commitment from government, education sector, and other relevant stake holders.
He used the opportunity of the Commemoration to commend the Taraba State Governor, Mr. Agbu Kefas for making the right to education a reality in the State, as he recently declared free education in Primary and Secondary Schools after slashing to 50% of the tuition fee of Taraba State University and that of the College of Nursing and Midwifery all in Jalingo, the State capital.
Similarly, Dr. Ojukwu also commended Prof Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State for the payment of WAEC, NECO and NABTEB fees for students in the State, saying this will encourage more students to enrol for the exam thereby advancing the literacy level in the State.
According to the NHRC Boss, this year’s theme “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage” underscores the need for putting incentives in place to attract more teachers to the profession.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has revealed that it investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, for six months over suspected money laundering before clearing him.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the probe was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions after the commission observed large inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars, pounds were dropping in like raindrops, from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.
“I said who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing about his name, I’ve seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing. I knew he was a pastor.
“So they said this one pastor of streams of joy, go and investigate him. So we went to the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede stated.
The EFCC boss said he subsequently invited Eze for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled by investigators.
He added that upon meeting the cleric and reviewing the findings of the investigation, the commission found no wrongdoing.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happens and all of that, and how the money came, what he does, how he has been helping people, and all of that.
“I said, you know what, I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he stated.
The remark drew applause from the audience, as Eze, who was present at the event, acknowledged the commendation.
He noted that the commission has a responsibility not only to investigate financial crimes but also to recognise individuals found to have acted with integrity.
The EFCC chairman, however, stated that the agency would continue to monitor financial activities where necessary, stressing that its preventive mandate remains critical in tackling corruption.
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