FEDERAL GOVT. TO PRIORiTIZE TEACHERS’ WELFARE, SAYS MINISTER 26-09-23
By Sadiq Aminu The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman has assured Teachers across the country that the federal government would give priority to their welfare.
He stated this in Abuja at a Press conference ahead of the World Teachers Day celebration coming up on October 5.
Professor Mamman explained that with the critical role teacher’s play in the society, they deserved better remuneration.
“Given the role of the Teacher, they are everything. If you are a doctor, lawyer, Engineer, astronomer, you went through the four walls of a classroom. I want to give you the assurance that this government is for Teachers and will give top priority to issues affecting Teachers and education in general’
He tasked stakeholders on policies that would strengthen the sector in line with global practices to complement Federal Government’s promise of allotting 25% of the budget to education.
The Minister said the commemoration of World Teachers Day was to draw attention to the challenges of teachers and proffer solutions.
Professor Mamman stated that activities lined up for the event include a symposium, presentation of award of excellence to school administrators and teachers distinguishing themselves in the profession.
On safeguarding schools, he said the Ministry was liaising with the relevant agencies to review the security architecture.The Minister also called for prayers for the safe return of students held in captivity.
The President, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Audu Amba while highlighting some of the challenges faced by teachers, appealed for the implementation of the Teacher Policy reforms approved by the past administration to ensure quality in the educational system.
.‘’It is expected that the new administration will not hesitate to activate the teacher policy reforms by ensuring the implementation of teacher incentives which include extension of teachers retirement age of 65 years and teaching service years to 40, payment of special salary scale for teachers, sponsorship of teacher’s annual refresher training to attract the best brains into the profession’’
The theme for this year’s Teacher’s Day celebration is “Teachers we need the Education we want: The global imperative to reverse teacher shortage’’.