The Nigerian Union of Teachers on Monday noted that it would continue to contribute to the nation’s building.
The union made this known through its president, Titus Amba, during the 2022 World Teachers Day press briefing held at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja.
While briefing the press, Amba thanked the regime of the president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) over activities which he said have continued to give teachers “hope”.
“I am highly delighted to be part of this Ministerial Press Briefing which marks the commencement of activities lined up for the observance of the 2022 World Teachers’ Day.
“First and foremost, I bring greetings from the National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the entire teachers of Nigeria. I wish to especially thank His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for sustaining the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award which has helped to give hope to teachers and promote the dignity of the teaching profession.
“Let me also thank the Honourable Minister of Education, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, the Permanent Secretary as well as Directors and Chief Executives of Parastatals and Agencies of the Federal Ministry of Education for their contributions to the successful commemoration of the historic day every year.
“This year’s World Teachers’ Day with the theme, “The Transformation of Education begins with Teachers” highlights the critical role teachers are expected to play in transforming and shaping the future of Education in the midst of growing societal needs and challenges of the 21st century. The event, coming on the heels of the UN-led Transforming Education Summit, seeks to draw public attention to the support teachers need to fully contribute to educational transformation.
“Indeed, the right number of qualified teachers are needed, and be provided with access to continuing professional development, improved status and working conditions, and be empowered, motivated and supported.
“The NUT remains grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for signing into law the “Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill” which provides for the retirement of teachers on the attainment of 65 years or 40 years of pensionable service and looks forward to the implementation of the new retirement age and other approvals announced by the Federal Government at the 2020 edition of the World Teachers Day celebration.
“Once again, I sincerely thank the Federal Ministry of Education, other stakeholders and the Press for keeping faith with this memorable global event organized annually in honour of teachers and the teaching profession. I wish to assure you all that as the engines at the heart of our education system, we (the teachers of Nigeria) will continue to strive with dedication and commitment to contribute our quota to the building of our dear nation.”
