By Dr. Nkiru Onuorah
The Executive Chairman of Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Associate Professor Hyginus Banko Okibe, has charged teachers who are due for the 2025 promotion exercise at ENSUBEB premises to take the exercise seriously. He noted that it is not business as usual where one is promoted based on the usual three-year cycle without measuring competence to handle the next level of task. He emphasizes professionalism, dedication, and the vital role of teachers in shaping the future of Enugu State children.
Addressing the large assembly of educators who were shortlisted for the interview, Prof. Okibe described motivation in a teaching career as one of the profound appreciations for those who are engaged in one of the noblest professions and reminded the teachers that promotion is not merely a reward for years of service, but a recognition of commitment, competence, and impact in the lives of learners.
He stressed that the administration of Peter Mbah remains deeply committed to transforming the education sector through the Smart Green Schools initiative, continuous teacher training, infrastructural development, and improved welfare for teachers across the state.
According to him, the promotion exercise reflects the government’s determination to ensure that hardworking teachers are recognized and motivated to give their best in service delivery. He urged the potential successful teachers to see their elevation as a call to greater responsibility, discipline, punctuality, and innovation in the classroom.
Prof. Okibe further charged them not to toy with their service delivery and means of livelihood, noting that other people not yet engaged are earnestly waiting for an opportunity to be gainfully employed.
He encouraged them to obey the stipulated guidelines and instructions given by the panelists, consisting of the Permanent Members and their team, stressing that they should maintain high ethical standards nd uphold the dignity of the teaching profession in all circumstances.
The teachers expressed gratitude to the Board for organising the promotion exercise to ensure a transparent and merit-based promotion process, describing the exercise as a morale booster and a clear demonstration that excellence and dedication are recognized in the state’s education system.
On day one, teachers from five Local Government Areas were slated for interview, and they include teachers from Enugu North LGA, Enugu South L.G.A, Enugu East LGA, Nkanu West, and Awgu LGA respectively, and others will follow up in that order.
The exercise marks another significant step in ENSUBEB’s continued efforts to strengthen basic education and build a future where every child in Enugu State has access to quality learning delivered by motivated and competent teachers.
Indeed, promotion is not the destination it is the beginning of greater service, greater impact, and greater responsibility.