Teachers in Kano were in the spotlight over the weekend as the STEM Teachers Rewards and Empowerment Foundation (STREF) hosted its 4th International Teachers Day Novelty Match, a celebration of educators through sports, entertainment, and recognition.

The event, held at Aztec Sports Centre, Ibrahim Dabo Road, Farm Centre, drew teachers, celebrities, education stakeholders, and members of the public in a spirited atmosphere of camaraderie and appreciation.

Founder and Convener of STREF, Love Odion, explained that the novelty match is part of the foundation’s broader mission to celebrate teachers, promote wellness, and create networking opportunities.

“We want teachers to know that their work is relevant and important to society. Initiatives like the Education Heroes Award also recognize exceptional teachers across government and private schools in Kano, Abuja, and Uyo, and we hope to expand nationwide,” she said.

Odion emphasized the need for better implementation of government policies to support teachers, calling for improved welfare, allowances, and recognition for the profession.

SolaceBase reports that the matches saw spirited competition between teachers and non-teachers, including celebrities, Kannywood actors, and Kano-based OAPs.

In the male category, Teachers Team 1 defeated the Kannywood Team 3-0, while Teachers Team 2 drew 1-1 against the Kano OAPs and Celebrities Team but clinched victory in a penalty shootout.

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In the female category, the Female Teachers Team narrowly lost 2-1 to the Female Non-Teachers Team.

Through events like the International Teachers Day Novelty Match, STREF continues to create a platform that not only celebrates teachers but also raises awareness about the vital role they play in shaping the nation’s future.

A teacher who participated in the event, Maryam Salihu Suleiman, described the celebration as a unique opportunity for teachers to unwind and be recognized.

“Teachers don’t often get celebrated enough, and it’s fulfilling to have a platform that honors our contributions,” she said.

She also highlighted the challenges of the profession, citing low pay and limited recognition as persistent issues for educators in Nigeria.

Despite these challenges, she expressed pride in being a teacher and lauded STREF’s efforts to celebrate teachers annually.

Mr. Abel Daniels, attended to support both the teachers and celebrities participating in the matches.

He described the event as a unifying experience that also promotes fitness, noting that sports provide a platform for healthy engagement and interaction between teachers and other professionals.