A businesswoman and philanthropist, Dr Folashade Shona-Aluko, Yeye Babajiro of Odua, has decried the alarming level of indiscipline among Nigerian youths, blaming the trend on poor parental upbringing and the erosion of cultural values.
Shona-Aluko, who was the Mother of the Day at the Teachers’ Day celebration organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) at its secretariat in Agidingbi, Lagos, said discipline and proper upbringing must begin at home.
She urged parents and teachers to work together to guide children and restore discipline and respect for cultural values in schools.
She said: “It is annoying that discipline has been thrown into the dustbin by our students.
“The first place to learn is at home. There is no discipline. The teachers should give them discipline and culture because we are losing it.
“Youths of these days can easily abuse their parents without remorse or provocation. This is common because of lack of culture. One of our cultural heritages is discipline. I don’t know where youths of these days borrowed indiscipline.”
Shona-Aluko, a former teacher, urged teachers to remain committed to their profession, assuring them that their sacrifices would eventually be recognised and rewarded.
“Our teachers, who I know are doing a good job, should do more by checking the activities of the children placed under their care, while parents should not abandon their duties to teachers.
“The first learning period is from parents,” she said.
She added: “So, here is a little advice to teachers: just continue to work. Hard work pays. Nobody—in fact, people may not see you, but don’t bother. Continue to work. One day, God will spot you out.”
The philanthropist, who was honoured as the Mother of the Day and showered teachers with gifts, including bags of rice and other food items, said teachers played a critical role in shaping the lives of children and must not neglect their responsibilities.
“As a teacher, having been the second session of a child in life, the first place a child learns is home, as a parent, and teachers are also parents. Let’s do all due diligence to make sure that these children are properly guided.
“Don’t just neglect them. Do the best you can as a mother and as a teacher. Teaching is a noble profession and teachers are doing wonderfully well.
“There is no professional that was not trained by teachers. Whether you are a businessman, medical practitioner, politician or anything, you were trained by teachers. That is why we must respect teachers anywhere we meet them.”
She promised to make next year’s Teachers’ Day celebration bigger and better, saying she would do more to support teachers.
According to her, having been a teacher herself, she understood the challenges and tedious task involved in moulding children.
Meanwhile, stakeholders at the event raised the alarm over the alleged increasing involvement of students, particularly secondary school pupils, in the sale of human body parts for money.
They also expressed concern over the rising level of indiscipline among students, urging parents and teachers to pay closer attention to the activities, behaviour and welfare of children under their care.
A medical practitioner, Chief Dayo Banjo, particularly urged parents and teachers to closely monitor their children and students, alleging that some youths were selling parts of their bodies, including kidneys, for millions of naira.
Banjo said: “As a practising medical practitioner, I want to advise teachers and parents. What is currently going on is terrible, so please, keep an eye on the younger ones. Keep an eye on the youth.
“The current trend in the country is that youths are now selling parts of their body just to make money. So, don’t hesitate to keep an eye on your children, your students and the younger ones, whether when they come back from outside or from school.
“If you see any mark on their body, ask questions. They are selling their body parts, especially kidney. That is what is trending in the country now. They sell them in millions.
“Please, make sure you monitor the children every day. Once they go out and come back home, check their bodies to know whether they have sold something.”
Also speaking, the Oba of Aguda Land, Ikeja, Oba Hakeem Agbaosi Saibu, who was represented by Banjo, congratulated teachers on another successful celebration and prayed for their continued upliftment and prosperity.
He said: “God will continue to uplift, uphold and sustain you in the years to come. This year has been successful already. By the grace of God, Insha Allah, next year will be better than this.
“While our country is going through tough times, this has always been the story since I was small. We all remember some of the songs we heard in the past about Nigeria being tough. Even now that we are older, everything is always about Nigeria being tough.
“But if you are actually patient enough to take a good survey of whatever it is the country is going through, be rest assured that Nigeria is not the worst country in the world.
“And so, you are assured to look up to Him, keep an open mind and continue in prayer. By the grace of God, we shall reach the Promised Land.”
He congratulated the NUT on the celebration, commending the union for its organisation and commitment to the welfare of teachers.
