Shona-Aluko Raises Alarm Over Declining Values, Says Some Children Now Abuse Their Fathers
By Primetime Reports
Yeye Babajiro Odua, Dr Folashade Shona-Aluko, has raised the alarm over what she described as the erosion of cultural values, discipline and respect among young Nigerians, saying some children have become so disrespectful that they now abuse their fathers.
Shona-Aluko spoke as the Mother of the Day at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Lagos State Wing, at Agidingbi Primary School, Ikeja.
The event, which had the theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future,” brought together teachers and stakeholders to celebrate the contributions of educators to the development of society.
Shona-Aluko called on teachers to play a more active role in teaching children culture, discipline and respect, stressing that the responsibility of educators should extend beyond academic instruction to include character formation.
“My advice to the teachers is, please, try to teach children culture. A lot of them are misbehaving these days. We see situations where they can even abuse their fathers,” she said.
She urged teachers to recognise their influence on children, noting that the amount of time pupils spend with educators places teachers in a strategic position to shape their behaviour and attitudes.
According to her, teachers should use that influence to reinforce values that promote respect, responsibility and good conduct.
“But we should try as much as possible, as teachers, to teach culture. Our culture remains ours,” she added.
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The Mother of the Day also cautioned against indiscriminately adopting foreign cultural practices at the expense of indigenous values, urging educators to ensure that children understand and respect the culture of their society.
“We should not borrow any other culture outside to move here. No matter the condition, teach them how to show respect. It is very important. There should be respect. A teacher is also a parent,” she said.
Shona-Aluko described teachers as important partners in the upbringing of children, stressing that although the home remains the first environment where a child learns, the school also plays a significant role in character development.
“As a teacher, being the second session of a child in life, the first place for a child to learn is home, as a parent. A teacher is also a parent,” she said.
She further urged teachers not to give up on children whose behaviour may require additional attention, saying educators should make deliberate efforts to guide them towards becoming responsible members of society.
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“Therefore, let’s do all due diligence to make sure that these children have moved to something worthwhile. Don’t just neglect them. Do the best you can do as a mother and as a teacher,” she said.
She also called for stronger collaboration between parents and teachers, stressing that the responsibility of raising well-behaved children should not be left to either the home or school alone.
According to her, parents and teachers must work together to ensure that children grow up with discipline, respect and sound cultural values.
Shona-Aluko also encouraged teachers to remain committed to their profession despite the possibility that their efforts may not receive immediate recognition.
“My advice to teachers is for them to just continue to work. In fact, people may not see you, but don’t bother. Continue to work. One day God wants you out,” she said.
She urged educators not to allow a lack of recognition to discourage them, noting that the impact of their work may become evident years later in the lives and character of the children they have taught.
As part of her contribution to the celebration, Shona-Aluko distributed bags of rice to teachers and presented awards to some educators in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the teaching profession.
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