The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has made a formal request to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging him to approve and put into effect a policy that would extend the service years for teachers in the state to 65 years.
During the World Teachers’ Day celebration, NUT Chairman Hassan Akintoye highlighted the delay in domesticating this policy, which had already been signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He emphasized that this extended service policy would serve as a means to encourage teachers to apply their extensive experience to support the state’s educational goals.
Additionally, Akintoye stressed that prolonging the service years for teachers presents a valuable opportunity for the state government to benefit from the wealth of professional expertise possessed by senior officers who are nearing retirement.
While acknowledging the efforts made by the state government to improve teacher welfare, the NUT chief also outlined other demands, including recruiting more teachers to replace those retiring, providing accommodations for teachers in rural areas, and increasing the monthly allowances for head teachers in primary schools.
He expressed concern over the global teacher shortage and highlighted the increased demand for education in the current era of innovation and connectivity.
Akintoye emphasized the need for collective action to make teaching an esteemed profession through investments in teacher training, professional development, and fair compensation.
On the government’s part, the Lagos State government is considering the teachers’ request to extend their service years from 35 to 40 or retirement age from 60 to 65.
Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Sanwo-Olu at the celebration, acknowledged the vital role of teachers in the state’s development and education sector.
He reassured that the government is actively addressing the concerns raised by teachers and filling teaching vacancies promptly due to its commitment to the education sector.
