Teachers Mark Day with Fresh Call for Better Welfare
Teachers Mark Day with Fresh Call for Better Welfare
Teachers across Nigeria have renewed calls for improved welfare, better working conditions, and full implementation of the 65-year retirement age as the nation joined the global community to mark World Teachers’ Day 2025.
At celebrations held nationwide, members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and education stakeholders lamented poor remuneration, inadequate facilities, and delayed implementation of key policies. They urged both federal and state governments to honour their commitments to the education sector.
Data from the NUT revealed that 16 states have yet to enforce the Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers Act, signed into law in April 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The law allows teachers to retire at 65 or after 40 years of service, whichever comes first. States yet to comply include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, and Sokoto.
In Kwara State, NUT Chairman Comrade Yusuf Agboola lamented that the 65-year policy and rural posting allowances remained unimplemented. He, however, commended the government for regular salary payments, recent teacher recruitment, and promotions.
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In Oyo State, NUT Chairman Comrade Raji Ismail praised Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting teachers through timely payments and promotions. He urged further action to address inadequate funding and infrastructure, and called for continuous professional training.
Delivering a national goodwill message, NUT President Comrade Audu Amba stressed that the future of education depends on government investment in teachers. “Without deliberate investment in teachers, the future of education is at risk,” he said.
Governors across several states acknowledged teachers’ sacrifices. In Edo, Governor Monday Okpebholo described teachers as nation builders and pledged ongoing training and improved working conditions. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Katsina Governor Dikko Radda also reaffirmed their commitment to better welfare and modern learning tools.
In Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji promised to clear outstanding bonuses and approve service extensions for willing teachers.
Private school owners, under the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Ogbomoso North Chapter, appealed for tax relief and access to financial support.
As Nigeria celebrated World Teachers’ Day, the message was clear the nation’s progress depends on how well it values those shaping its classrooms and its future.
Content Credit: Moyosola Oni
Image Credit: Google .Com
