At Int’l Teachers Day: Minister Nalova celebrates teachers for role in nation building.

The ceremony was held Sunday October 5 in Yaounde.

Attended by the Minister of Basic Education, Prof Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa, that of Labour and Social Security, Gregoire Owona, Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Prof Marie Therese Abena Ondoa, and a cross section of teachers from across the country, Sunday’s ceremony also witnessed the award of state medals to deserving teachers.

In her message delivered at the ceremony held at the Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex, Minister Nalova Lyonga described teachers as “true heroes” who shape minds, nurture dreams, and guide generations. 

The Member of Government eulogized educators across the country, acknowledging their invaluable role in nation-building and the future of humanity.

Prof Nalova who served previously as Vice Chancelor of the University of Buea, noted that as a lifelong teacher herself, she holds deep respect for the profession and those who dedicate their lives to it

Calling for strengthened collaboration to deliver quality education, the Minister, commended all stakeholders for the positive milestones achieved nationwide.

She emphasised that collaboration should be at the heart of the teaching profession, adding that teachers must embrace teamwork, openness, and shared responsibility to achieve collective student success.

Minister Nalova Lyonga explained that: “International Teachers Day allows us to honour those who have dedicated their lives to nurturing the character of our youth. International Teachers Day is a moment of recognition where we recognize the central role that education plays in building the nation and the central role that teachers play in helping the youth build the nation”.

“Teachers are empowering our youth with the necessary competences that they need,” the minister said, adding that: “I want to salute the President of the Republic whose vision continues to guide our educational policies”.

Minister Nalova Lyonga said in the Head of State’s commitment to national development, education has always been at the forefront with “him as the driver”. 

Focusing on the theme of this year’s Teachers Day: “Recasting teaching as collaborative profession”, the minister urged them to collaborate with President Paul Biya “who is educator number one as far I am concerned”.

She mentioned that: “Without Paul Biya, COVID would have killed us all. Without Paul Biya, advancement in science such as AI could go on leaving Cameroon behind. But because of his vision, all these are here. We are able to teach aspects of AI as a result of his vision. We have multiplied the number of schools…so there are so many things that are going on but at the same time, we are seeking to improve the system. And we are asking the teachers to collaborate with us”.

Minister Nalova Lyonga rejoiced that the future is bright. “We are expecting a lot so long as they collaborate with Paul Biya because he is the one who has the advanced vision of where Cameroon should be,” she concluded.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3587 of Tuesday October 07, 2025