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 on earth before receiving greater rewards in heaven.
The PTA stated this on Monday while marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day by presenting gifts to academic and non-academic staff of the school.
The gesture included bags of rice, cartons of tomato paste and other items, which the association said were meant to appreciate the teachers for their commitment to educating and moulding children.
The PTA Chairman, Prince Daniel Atori, who led other executive members during the presentation, said society must begin to show teachers appreciation in practical ways rather than leaving their rewards entirely to the afterlife.
“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.
He said the PTA would make the gesture an annual tradition, stressing that teachers remained central to the development of responsible citizens and a better society.
“Teachers are the ones that train children to become responsible individuals in life. Once they get it right, the society becomes better. That is why we decided to celebrate and appreciate them today,” he said.
Atori described the PTA as an important stakeholder in the school and assured teachers that the association would continue to recognise their contributions.
“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 and said it would encourage teachers in their efforts to provide pupils with a strong educational foundation.
Poopola said the school was doing everything possible to ensure that children 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 noted that the growth and development of every child depended largely on teachers who were physically, mentally, professionally and psychologically prepared for their responsibilities.
Poopola commended the PTA for recognising the importance of teachers and supporting their welfare, saying the school would continue working with parents to groom and build the future of the children.