The Parent-Teacher Association of Maryam Babangida School, El-Amin International School, Minna, Niger State, has said teachers deserve to enjoy the rewards of their sacrifices both on earth and in heaven.
The PTA made the declaration on Monday while celebrating the 2026 World Teachers’ Day with academic and non-academic staff of the school.
As part of the celebration, the association presented bags of rice, cartons of tomato paste and other items to members of staff in appreciation of their commitment to educating and moulding children.
Speaking during the presentation, the PTA Chairman, Prince Daniel Atori, said teachers should not be expected to wait until the afterlife before receiving tangible appreciation for their contributions to society.
He, however, stressed that earthly appreciation would not take away the greater reward awaiting dedicated teachers in heaven.
“We must not wait until you get to heaven before enjoying your reward. We want you to begin to enjoy your reward here on earth. When you get to heaven, another reward awaits you there,” Atori said.
According to him, the PTA decided to make the gesture an annual event because teachers play a central role in shaping responsible citizens and building the future of the nation.
“Teachers are the ones that train children to become responsible individuals in life. Once they get it right, society becomes better. That is why we, as a body, decided to celebrate and appreciate them today,” he said.
Atori described teaching as a noble profession and assured the staff that the PTA would continue to support and appreciate their efforts.
“The PTA is a very strong stakeholder in the affairs of every school and we hold our teachers in high esteem. Teaching is still a noble profession and we will sustain gestures like this,” he said.
The celebration was held under the theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping Our Futures.”
Responding, the Head Teacher of the school, Mrs Abimbola Poopola, thanked the PTA for the gesture, saying it demonstrated the importance of recognising the people responsible for giving children a strong foundation.
Poopola said the school was committed to ensuring that pupils received quality education and proper character formation.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that our children are comfortable and receive the best, both in academics and in character,” she said.
She added that the growth and development of every child depended on having teachers who were physically, mentally, professionally and psychologically prepared for their responsibilities.
Poopola commended the PTA for its support, saying the gesture would encourage teachers to remain committed to their role of grooming and building the future of the children.
