Why FG extended retirement age of teachers – Minister
Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has explained the reason the Federal Government extended the retirement age and number of service of teachers in the country.
Adamu revealed that the acquisition of skills, instead of mere certificate is key to the survival of country’s economy, adding that Nigeria is expected to become one of the 20 largest economies globally.
He made this disclosure on Saturday, in his address at the sixth-35th combined convocation ceremony (1991/1992 – 2020/2021), of 29 set of graduands in the Federal College of Education (Technical).
Represented by the Executive Secretary National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, Adamu urged the graduands to complement government effort by becoming employers of labour.
According to him, teachers are active partners in the development of any institution, noting that it is imperative for the country to benefit from their wealth of knowledge.
He said, “The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has initiating policies with focus to bring about robust reforms aimed at repositioning the education sector and improve Nigeria human capital into the global index.
“It is in recognition of the noble roles of teachers and their wealth of experience in Nation building that the president has graciously approved the extension of retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years and the length of service from 35 to 40 years.”
The Minister noted that aside the current adjustment, efforts were ongoing to ensure the productivity of teachers through adequate welfare.
“Plans are underway to improve the working conditions of teachers as well as enhance their remuneration very soon,” he added.
He also advised the college leadership to ensure that convocation becomes a yearly affair, bemoaning the situation where the current one has taken about 29 years, According to Adamu, this would make the celebration memorable.
On his part, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who was among the three personalities awarded fellowship of the college said the time they were leaving school is unfortunately a time the state and country is faced with economic downturn, calling on them to be innovative.
He said, “No doubt this occasion marks an important milestone, not only in the history of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gombe, but also in the history of education in Gombe State and Nigeria as a whole.
“As an important teachers’ training institution in the North-East subregion, this College has continued to contribute immensely towards the provision of quality education and research for the development of Gombe State and the country at large.”
Yahaya added, “As you are all aware, your graduation comes at a unique time with unique challenges. We are living in a world of increasing uncertainties and complexities. Entering the labour market in these trying times can be Herculean Task.
“Both global and national economies have been turned upside-down as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Governments and private companies have put embargo on employment thus leading to rising unemployment with attendant effects on security and stability.
Also speaking, FCE (T) Provost, Dr. Ali Adamu noted that this batch cuts across 29 years since 1992.
“Over twenty thousand persons awarded National Certificates of Education in different areas of specialization from 1992- 2021,” Adamu said.
