President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that teachers receive their deserved recognition and support.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima, he acknowledged the challenges facing Nigerian educators, including overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and insufficient opportunities for professional growth, which he attributed to the prolonged neglect of the teaching profession.
This assurance was given during the commemoration of the 2023 World Teachers’ Day at Eagle Square, Abuja.
President Tinubu highlighted the critical role of teachers in shaping Nigeria’s future and emphasized the necessity of investing in education and empowering educators. He expressed the belief that every child should have access to quality education and the tools needed to achieve their aspirations.
In his keynote address, Vice President Shettima discussed the theme, “Teacher Appreciation: Nurturing Minds, Changing Lives.” He emphasized that the government’s commitment to education reform aims to establish a system that recognizes education as the source of innovation and breakthroughs. A well-trained workforce is vital for building a nation that thrives in an interconnected world, fostering international cooperation, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and healthcare.
President Tinubu expressed the nation’s gratitude to Nigerian teachers, assuring them that their profession is central to the nation’s vision and development agenda. He revealed that he had directed the Ministers of Education to collaborate with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to revise guidelines to ensure that individuals seeking benefits from this initiative are prepared to return to the classroom with updated teaching techniques and IT proficiency.
Furthermore, President Tinubu introduced the Harmonized Retirement Age of Teachers in Nigeria Act 2022, allowing dedicated teachers to continue their service for up to 40 years or until reaching the age of 65, whichever comes first.
This policy aims to retain experienced educators and strengthen the teaching workforce. However, eligibility for this Act requires contemporary teaching skills, including proficiency in information technology, to equip students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.