- In commemoration of International Men’s Day 2024, The Benchmark celebrates Azuh Chike Emmanuel (Teacher Chike) for his commitment to the development of girls in rural Nigeria.
Azuh Chike Emmanuel, known fondly as “Teacher Chike” or “The Village Teacher” of Ezemu Girls’ Grammar School, Delta State, is passionate about educating young girls beyond textbooks. He founded the Teacher Chike Educational Foundation, a vision born from the need for a proper structure where the needs of learners and teachers in low-income areas can be adequately attended to. The Foundation has a singular mission: to transform education in underserved areas, one student and one teacher at a time.
Teacher Chike is known for uplifting and encouraging his female students to dream beyond the limitations often placed on them in rural settings.
“I came from a lineage of teachers. My uncle was a teacher. His wife retired as a teacher. Three of my sisters are teachers. My father was a teacher. My mother did not just teach; she owned a school. So, teaching is not just a profession or a calling to me. It’s an inheritance.” – Teacher Chike.
In each lesson, his message always reminds these girls that they can achieve greatness, no matter their circumstances.
The Man Behind the Mission
Teaching wasn’t always Emmanuel’s goal. His initial ambition was to become a doctor, so he applied to study medicine and surgery, hoping to enter healthcare. However, he was offered a place in Biology Education instead. Though initially considering switching courses, he quickly became captivated by the powerful impact he could make as a teacher.
From that moment, Emmanuel fully embraced teaching and has found deep fulfilment in guiding students and inspiring young minds.
“Unlike others, I did not choose teaching; teaching chose me. Since then, I’ve been on an adventure to restore the dignity of teaching and make an impact within and beyond the classroom. To achieve this, I had to leave my place of comfort and go to a community where I could have firsthand experience of the challenges students and teachers go through in low-income areas.” – Teacher Chike
He has taken his work at Ezemu Girls’ Grammar School, Delta State, where he serves not only as a teacher but as a mentor and role model as an opportunity to make a lasting impact on students who might otherwise lack access to quality education.
These Nigerian girls in rural communities already face challenges like a lack of basic supplies and learning materials in their schools. Sometimes, they need help to concentrate fully on their education.
Teacher Chike uses interactive teaching methods to equip his students with problem-solving skills so they can solve challenges outside the classroom. He uses skits and storytelling to illustrate concepts in a relatable way so his students can understand life creatively and expressively.
Azuh Chike Emmanuels’ presence in the classroom is a powerful example of how men can be allies in empowering women and girls. Through his dedication to the Girl Child, he encourages others to follow suit and contribute to creating a more equitable society for women.
