Teachers across the country were thrown into merriment yesterday after President Muhammadu Buhari announced the approval of a new special salary scale for the educators. The education minister, Adamu Adamu, who represented President Buhari, at the commemoration of the 2020 World Teachers Day on October 5, in Abuja, during which the approval was made said the implementation of the new salary scheme is to encourage teachers in delivering better service. Mr. President also increased the number of years of service for the teachers from 35 to 40. During the event themed "Teachers: leading in crisis, reimagining the future" the president said teachers have the power to shape and reshape the lives of young people and enhance their potential.
“Only great teachers can produce excellent people and students that will make the future of our country great. A positive or negative influence of a teacher on any child will have an effect on that child. Therefore, the Federal Government is ensuring quality education.
“My administrative has resolved that quality education of teachers in terms of engagement of continued professional development has to be given priority."
He stressed that the future of the country would depend on quality education for children and that the quality of teachers would depend on motivation.
“There will be a special pension scheme to enable the teaching profession to retain its experienced talents as well as extend teachers retirement age to 65 years and the duration of teaching years to 40 years.
“The payment of stipends to Bachelor of Education students as well as granting them automatic employment after graduation is now a government policy,” he said.
For years, teachers have agitated for an increase in their retirement age, welfare and salaries.
President Buhari also instructed the ministry to facilitate the implementation of the new salary scheme, saying it would encourage teachers to deliver better service.
