The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola and convener of the Let There Be Teachers Conference, Dr Oluwaseyi Anifowose, have called for greater investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development and improved working conditions, describing teachers as indispensable to national development.
They made the call at the 2026 Let There Be Teachers Conference, held on Saturday at the Alpha Begore Hall, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The conference, themed “From Record to Reforms: A National HOPE Attempt for Teachers,” brought together teachers and education stakeholders from across the state to discuss reforms and strategies for strengthening the teaching profession.
Babalola, who described teaching as one of the greatest contributions anyone could make to humanity, said teachers play a fundamental role in shaping individuals and preparing future generations of professionals and leaders. He noted that beyond classroom instruction, teachers inspire confidence, identify hidden potentials and help children overcome personal and academic challenges, stressing that their contributions extend beyond the school environment.
The legal luminary decried the poor working conditions confronting many teachers, including delayed salaries, inadequate teaching materials, limited opportunities for career advancement and lack of professional recognition. He maintained that passion for teaching should not become an excuse for denying teachers decent remuneration and a dignified standard of living, urging stakeholders to move beyond celebrating teachers to making deliberate investments in their welfare and professional growth.
In his remarks, the convener, Dr Alagba Oluwaseyi Anifowose, said the conference was designed to move advocacy for teachers from public appreciation to concrete action, insisting that teachers must be recognised as central figures in national development rather than treated as an afterthought.
He described teaching as a profession built on passion and professional dignity, adding that the conference would extend its advocacy to Kano, Lagos, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Abuja as part of efforts to establish a nationwide conversation on teachers’ welfare and educational reforms.
Also speaking, the Ekiti State Coordinator of the Let There Be Teachers Movement, Mrs Taiwo Babawale, described teachers as the light that guides society, acknowledging their sacrifices in nurturing learners and supporting students beyond the classroom.
She said the conference was designed to equip teachers with practical knowledge through workshops on Artificial Intelligence in the curriculum, emotional development, classroom management and managing professional burnout.
The Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, who also spoke on the theme “Let There Be a Teacher, Let There Be Light,” said the influence of teachers often extends far beyond the classroom, with seemingly ordinary acts of encouragement leaving lasting impressions on students.
She urged stakeholders to move from discussing the challenges facing the teaching profession to identifying practical reforms, stressing that teachers must occupy a central position in national conversations, policies and decisions shaping the future of education.
