There is need to evaluate the indispensible role of teachers in nation building and the importance of repositioning the profession for the attainment and sustainability of quality education.
By Princess-Ekwi Ajide, Abuja
The Federal Government says it has commenced implementation of the 65 years retirement age for teachers in public schools and 40 years of pensionable service as it would ensure quality teaching and learning as well as galvanise technological advancements to meet the ever changing needs for national growth and development.
The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, while giving reasons for the implementation, said, the new policy is meant to address career path, remuneration, professional teaching standards, qualifications, deployment and management of teachers.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr David Adejo, unveiled activities lined up for the 2022 World Teachers Day, in Abuja next Monday.
The theme for the 2022 Teacher’s Day is “The Transformation of Education Begins With Teachers”.
This, the minister said, is apt as there is need to evaluate the indispensible role of teachers in nation building and the importance of repositioning the profession for the attainment and sustainability of quality education.
Adamu, said the ministry started with a call for nomination instruments to state Ministries of Education and Federal Unity Colleges nationwide for the selection of meritorious nominees and implored them to be inclusive in their nominations by ensuring that the exercise commences from the ward level.
He said, the champions selected will then compete for National Best School, Best Teacher and Best School Administrator in the Public, Private and Federal Unity Colleges categories hence each Local Government is expected to forward their best to the respective State Ministries of Education for screening.
On his part, the President, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Audu Amba commended President Muhammadu Buhari for sustaining the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award, PTSEA, promising that teachers in the country will continue to be dedicated and committed to contributing their quota to the building of the nation.
According to him, the award has helped give teachers hope and promoted the dignity of the teaching profession.
Amba, represented by the Chairman of FCT chapter of NUT, Mr. Stephen Khabayi, said the celebration draws public attention to the support teachers need to fully contribute to educational transformation.
He noted that the right number of qualified teachers are needed, and should be provided with access to sustainable professional development, improved status and working conditions, be empowered, motivated and supported.
