While Nigerians hail President Muhammadu Buhari for his bumper package for teachers, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, has given assurance of his commitment to their welfare.
Represented by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, President Buhari had announced the extension of teachers’ years of service from 35 to 40 years and their retirement age increased from 60 to 65 years.
Speaking at the World Teachers Day celebration in Abuja, Mallam Bello, described education as the bedrock of every society and reiterated the commitment of the FCT administration to the development of the sector and the improvement of the welfare of teachers serving in the territory.
While restating his desire to facilitate training for the enhancement of the capability of the teachers, he charged them to rededicate themselves to duty, especially, now that schools are reopening after the covid-19 induced holiday.
Some teachers at the event who spoke to economyonline expressed joy at the announcement by the President which to them is recognition of the importance of their profession in human development and nation building.
While some commended Mr President for the gesture, others urged the policy makers to ensure immediate implementation of the declaration not only for teachers in federal government owned schools, but also those at the state and local government levels.