As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 2024 World Teachers’ Day, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing robust welfare packages for teachers, emphasising that a teacher’s reward should begin on earth, not only in heaven as commonly stated.
Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, made this known during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja as part of activities to mark the 2024 World Teachers’ Day, which will be held on October 5.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Titus Amba, also used the occasion to renew calls for the implementation of a new salary scale for teachers nationwide.
In his address, the Minister acknowledged teachers’ resilience, hard work, and their immense contributions to human capital development in the country.
Mamman, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, noted: “We are aware that our teachers have contributed immensely to changes in the world. They have been building men and women. They are contributing much more to human capital development. Government at all levels are doing all it takes to enhance teachers’ professionalism for nation-building and national development.”
He continued, “I sincerely commend the contributions of all stakeholders, including international development partners, for their support for teachers. They have been performing well at home and abroad. Teachers, like other professionals, carry out their duties with passion. Even when faced with challenges, they demonstrate resilience and remain dedicated in their responsibilities.”
The Minister also urged teachers to rise to the challenges of adopting contemporary teaching methods, conducting research, and embracing digital transformation.
Mamman highlighted that the current administration holds the teaching profession in high regard and has taken steps such as establishing more specialised universities of education and implementing bursary policies in Nigerian universities for students. He revealed that 3,317 students benefitted from these awards in the 2022 academic session, with a larger number expected for 2024.
“Additionally, the government, through the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), entered into bilateral agreements on chartered mobility for ease of international engagements. Teachers’ welfare remains a priority for the employers of labour, despite the economic and security challenges in Nigeria,” he added.
The Minister stressed the importance of good working conditions and environments for teachers and urged all stakeholders to listen to the voices of teachers and the Nigeria Union of Teachers. “It is my hope that teachers will receive their rewards not only in Heaven but beginning here on earth. As we celebrate teachers today, we recognise some with awards of excellence. I urge those who are yet to be recognised not to relent, but to be assured that their time will soon come. Your voices are valued,” he stated.
Speaking to newsmen, National President of the NUT, Comrade Titus Amba, called on the Federal Government to ensure the implementation of the new salary scale for teachers across the country. He expressed satisfaction with the elongation of service years for teachers, which is already being implemented in about 22 states.
Amba further explained, “The last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari approved some incentives for teachers as far back as 2020. The issue of bursaries for students studying education in tertiary institutions is ongoing, and some students have benefitted from it.”
However, Amba pointed out that no action has been taken on the implementation of other incentives such as housing estates for teachers, the new teachers’ salary scale, special allowances for teachers working in remote villages, and training and retraining of teachers, among others.
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