Teachers across Nigeria were celebrated as Vcare for Development Foundation(VCDF), supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) marked the 2026 World Teachers’ Day with activities that reached 3,012 students and 190 teachers across five public secondary schools including Army and Airforce secondary schools in Akwa Ibom and Delta states.
The celebration highlighted the impact of VCDFs Learning Enhancement Programme(LEP), Model School Initiative (MSI) and Transforming Teachers for Tomorrow (T3), which continue to improve learning opportunities and strengthen support for educators in communities.
Observed annually on October 5, World Teachers’ Day commemorates the 1966 International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. The 2026 theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Improving Its Status and Shaping Our Futures,” emphasised the importance of recognising teachers and supporting quality education.
As part of the commemoration, VCDF organised activities in Community Secondary School, Iko, Eastern Obolo; Comprehensive High School, Edemaya, Ikot Abasi; Air Force Comprehensive High School, Uyo; and Army Day Secondary School, Ibagwa, Abak, all in Akwa Ibom State, as well as Girls’ Secondary School, Kwale, Delta State. The activities were implemented in collaboration with the schools leadership and education stakeholders, reinforcing shared ownership of the celebration and the value of partnership in supporting teachers.
Students expressed appreciation for their teachers through the “Tree of Gratitude” and personalised greeting cards, while teachers shared stories about their professional journeys and the experiences that inspired them to join the profession. The activities included debates, cultural performances, appreciation sessions, interactive games and student-led presentations designed to strengthen relationships between teachers and learners.
Many teachers expressed joy and commended VCDF for the recognition and celebration during the event. Mrs. Ameneke Theresa Nkemjika, Vice Principal, Administration, Girls’ Secondary School, Kwale, said, “I have been teaching for more than 30 years now, and I have really enjoyed this job. It helps in impacting knowledge, and it has been joyful seeing my students progress in life. I appreciate Delta State Government, Sterling Oil and VCDF for this programme”
Mrs. Otuagoma Beatrice, a teacher from the same school expressed delight at being celebrated. “Really, I am excited. It means we are valued, and we are important. I felt happy when the students mentioned my name; it shows the students appreciate what we do,” she said.
Mrs. Regina Aniekan Jack, Principal of Comprehensive High School, Edemaya, said, “We appreciate Akwa Ibom State Government, and VCDF for celebrating and appreciating teachers, not just today, but every day, for the important role they play in shaping the lives of our children. Thank you for recognising teachers and for your continued support.
I am delighted to work in this special school, as the teaching profession has strengthened my commitment to continuous learning, research, and professional development. During my first five years in the profession, my students inspired me to become more studious, inquisitive, and research oriented. Their questions, diverse learning needs, and unique perspectives continually challenged me to explore new ideas, and improve my teaching methods – Mr. Michael Akpan (French Teacher), Airforce Comprehensive School, Uyo
For students, the event provided an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the contributions of their teachers. Several students shared that teachers play a critical role in shaping their future and deserve regular recognition for their commitment and service.
A Senior Secondary student at Girls’ Secondary School, Kwale, said, “I am very excited and happy because we are celebrating with our teachers. Teachers should be celebrated every time.
Beyond the World Teachers’ Day activities, VCDF through various initiatives such as LEP, MSI, and T3 has reached more than 37,863 students and teachers across Akwa Ibom, Delta and Lagos states, expanding access to learning opportunities and quality educational resources.
VCDF will continue to work alongside government, education authorities, schools and institutions beyond host communities, leveraging Sterling Oil’s Corporate Social Responsibility investment to improve access to quality education across Nigeria.