Words Rhymes & Rhythm is calling for nominations for the 2017 WRR NIGERIAN TEACHERS AWARD (WRR-NTA) to mark the WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY 2017 ― which was celebrated worldwide on Thursday, October 5.
The WRR-NTA is a N10,000 annual prize awarded to Nigerian English or Literature-in-English teachers for their contributions to the development of education and the literary industry. It is our own little way of advocating that teachers be accorded the same respect given to other professionals, especially in terms of remuneration and working conditions.
Like Solomon Ortiz rightly said, “Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students.” This means that teachers should be venerated and rewarded accordingly.
It is therefore unfortunate that, in Nigeria especially, teachers are largely seen as second-class citizens, underlined by poor remuneration and low social respect. Many people believe that the teaching profession is a second class employment for people without choice. This should not be the case.
At Words Rhymes & Rhythm, we strongly believe, in keeping with Albert Einstein’s position “it is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge”, that teachers should be greatly appreciated.
We hope for a future where Nigerian teachers will be given the same professional respect, especially in terms of remuneration and working conditions, as their counterparts in assumed ‘superior professions’.
Nigerians are hereby invited to nominate a teacher they believe is worthy of the award taking the following into consideration:
- Nominated teacher must be working with students aged 16 or below
- Nominated teacher must be teaching English, Literature or the Creative Arts
- Nominated teacher must be teaching in a Nigerian school
- Nominations are encouraged for teachers working in rural communities or with socially disadvantaged students
Please note:
- Recently retired teachers (no more than 5-10 years ago) are also eligible
- Winner will be selected based on quality of contribution as a teacher, not number of nominations
To nominate simply send an email stating the teacher’s name, contact details, school and location to INFO@WRR.NG. Add a 20 -50 word statement justifying the nomination and attach a photograph where possible.
We continue, in our own little way, to advocate that teachers be accorded the same professional respect given to other professionals, especially in terms of remuneration and working conditions. The WRR-NTA will be awarded every year to one teacher and we hope to increase the prize money in the near future.
The 2016 WRR-NTA was awarded to two deserving winners – Uzoamaka Bridget Okafor, a teacher at Mama Aziki Comprehensive Secondary School, Senchi, Zuru, Kebbi state and Chibuihe Light Obi, a young teacher and writer at Saint Maria Gorreti Catholic College, Obowo Okigwe, Imo state.
Nominations will be received until Friday October 20 and the awarded teacher will be announced on Friday November 17.
Nominations will be reviewed by Nigerian writer, teacher and unrepentant lover of books JENNIFER CHINENYE EMELIFE.
