By Gbenga Sodeinde In Ado Ekiti
The President of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Comrade Sola Adigun, has commended secondary school teachers across Nigeria for their resilience, dedication, and sacrifices in the outgone year 2025, describing them as critical drivers of National development.
Adigun gave the commendation in his Christmas and New Year goodwill message to members of the union nationwide.
According to him, the Christmas season provides an opportunity for reflection on shared values of service, sacrifice, and hope, noting that ASUSS members have continued to discharge their duties with commitment despite numerous challenges confronting the education sector.
“Secondary school teachers remain at the heart of character formation, academic excellence, and nation-building,” he said, adding that many teachers continue to work under conditions that do not adequately reflect the importance of their responsibilities.
The ASUSS President acknowledged 2025 interventions by the Federal Government aimed at improving education, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, teacher capacity building, and curriculum delivery, describing such policies as commendable and worthy of sustenance.
He, however, urged governments at all levels to fully and unconditionally implement the Teachers Service Year Elongation Act, stressing that its proper execution would help retain experienced teachers and strengthen stability within the education system.
Adigun also applauded state governments that have prioritised teachers’ welfare through prompt payment of salaries, settlement of promotion arrears, and improvements in learning environments, noting that such actions have a direct impact on educational outcomes.
While expressing optimism, he acknowledged that challenges such as underfunding, overcrowded classrooms, poor facilities, and inconsistent policy implementation still persist in many parts of the country, calling for sustained efforts to address them.
On security, the ASUSS President expressed gratitude over the safe return of students previously abducted, describing their rescue as a relief to parents, teachers, and the nation at large.
He stressed the need for improved security in schools nationwide, particularly as students prepare to resume after the holidays, urging governments to strengthen security measures and intelligence-gathering around educational institutions.
Adigun called on ASUSS members to remain united, professional, and committed to excellence, expressing optimism that the New Year would bring improved policies, enhanced security, greater respect for teachers’ rights, and renewed commitment to quality education across Nigeria.
He wished all ASUSS members a prosperous New Year.