Reverend Simon Asige, a retired educationist in the Upper East Region, has launched a scathing critique against teacher unions, accusing them of consistently prioritizing their own conditions of service at the expense of students’ welfare.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Rev. Asige expressed deep concern over what he described as the pervasive attitude among teacher unions, which, he argues, often results in the exploitation of students as mere bargaining chips in negotiations with the government.
Rev. Asige lamented the detrimental impact of this approach on students’ learning experiences, emphasizing the urgent need for a fundamental reassessment of priorities within the education sector.
According to him, the persistent focus on union demands, without due consideration for students’ educational welfare, ultimately disenfranchises learners and undermines the quality of education provided.
His remarks gain significance against the backdrop of the recently released Legatum Prosperity Index 2023, which ranked second-cycle institutions in the country at a concerning 137th out of 167 countries.
The ranking, he said, underscored the pressing need for reform and improvement within the education sector to enhance the overall quality of education and student outcomes.
He further advocated for a shift towards a more student-centered approach, where the well-being and educational needs of students are placed at the forefront of decision-making processes.
Rev. Asige therefore urged teacher unions to adopt a more holistic perspective that considers the long-term implications of their actions on students’ academic development and future prospects, emphasizing the importance of fostering a conducive learning environment that prioritizes the holistic growth and well-being of students, rather than narrow self-interests.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
