Animashaun: We have lost a pillar of support – NUT

The Nigerian Union of Teachers on Tuesday described the late Alhaji Babs Animashaun as a pillar of support to the development of public education in the country.

Olukoya Alogba, the National President of the NUT, made the position of the union known to the News Agency of Nigeria in a telephone interview in Lagos.

Animashaun, the National Coordinator and Founder of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria, died on November 22 at the age of 77.

Olukoya expressed shock at the demise of the educationist.

He said Animashaun was a defender of the oppressed and would be remembered for his love for quality and affordable education.

He said Animashaun was a sound believer and advocate of public education and stood by it till the end.

He said: “Oh, Alhaji is dead!

“I am very sorry.

“I am just hearing it from you.

“We shall surely miss him and his wealth of knowledge.

“May Allah grant him eternal rest.”

Also, Segun Raheem, the Chairman of the Lagos State Wing of the NUT, said the late educationist would be remembered for his embodiment of humility and selfless service.

Raheem said the late founder of NAPTAN believed education should not be left in the hands of the government alone.

He said Animashaun believed everybody – government, parents, teachers and students -must participate in the development of education, which brought about the Parent-Teacher Association in the country.

He said the association has been supporting friendly government policies but opposed to unfriendly government policies for the benefit of all.

Raheem said: “Let me register the condolence of all the teachers in Lagos State over the death of our great pillar of educational growth in Nigeria.

“Alhaji Babs Animashaun brought parents’ involvement into education because of his love and passion for his country.

“In his life time, he believes government alone cannot provide good and quality education without the support of parents and he formed what we have as NAPTAN today in Nigeria.

“We have lost a great gem.

“It will take time and energy to fill the vacuum his death has created.”

NAN.