File photo used only for illustrative purpose
An average of 10 teachers die each month in the post-primary
teaching service of the state accroding to the Lagos State Teachers’
Establishment and Pension Office (TEPO).
Mrs Sewanu Ayodele-Amosu, the Permanent Secretary of TEPO, made the
disclosure on Tuesday at a Sensitisation Seminar and Capacity Building
on Healthy Living for Post-Primary Teaching Staff of the state.
According to Vanguard, she said that apart from sudden collapse
resulting in either temporary or permanent confinement in bed, the
disturbing rate of deaths among teachers in the state called for
concern.
According to her, in spite of the prevailing economic situation in
the country, there is, arguably, scantiness of knowledge on healthy
living.
“This is another contributory factor for this worrisome adverse health condition of the teachers.
“This health seminar will be held quarterly to educate teachers
on the importance of healthy living and to provide support for those
that have health challenges.
“This seminar is designed to effect real behavioural changes
among staff of the post-primary teaching service and promote capacity
for maintenance and sustainability of good and vibrant health,’’ she said.
The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, said the state
government would continue to pay adequate attention to the needs of
teachers as it recognised their role to humanity.
Adebule said that the Ministry of Education was working with the
Ministry of Health to issue Health Cards to teachers to enable them to
access prompt medical care at the state’s health institutions.
“The health card will be part of the requirements for promotion
as a way of motivating our teachers to go for regular health checks.
“I urge you to take out time and take care of yourselves and
your health because it is only when you are healthy that you can deliver
efficiently,’’ Adebule said.
Also, Mrs Mary Adenikinju, a health expert, advised teachers to
exercise regularly, eat less of processed and cooked foods and eat more
of vegetables and fruits.
Mr Adedayo Famakinwa, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee
Chairman on Establishment, Training and Public Service, said that
teachers were curators of the future and were expected to be healthy in
mind and body.
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