Uzodimma: Imo to Domestic FG’s Policy on 65 Years Retirement for Teachers
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, yesterday, told teachers that his administration would domestic the federal government ‘s policy on proposing either 65 years of age or 40 years in service for retirement of teachers.
The governor promised to work out the modalities with the leadership of the teachers in the State prior to proposing the bill before the State House of Assembly on the legislative framework to back up the policy.
Uzodimma, made the promises at Owerri, where the teachers gathered to mark this year’s World Teacher’s Day.
In his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Imo State Chapter, Philip Nwansi, according to a statement, applauded Uzodimma for his welfarist programmes for Imo teachers.
Nwansi, recalled that since Uzodimma assumed office in January 2020, teachers have received their salaries promptly, gotten promotions, received 13- month salary, enjoyed free transportation, received free medical treatment, payment of N40,000 minimum wage, prompt payment of retirees, renovation of classroom blocks, enjoyment of in-house training, among other things the government has extended to them.
He was quoted in the statement to have said for such populist policies, Imo teachers had resolved to adopt Uzodimma as their sole candidate in the November 11 governorship election.
Nwansi, added that the teachers also resolved to bestow two awards on the governor – the “Golden Pen Award” which he said Uzodimma was the first to be so honoured with such award in the history of the Union in Nigeria and the “Award of Synergy and Continuity.”
In his remarks, Uzodimma thanked the teachers for being genuine partners in his efforts to serve Imo better.
He recalled the role teachers play in our families in particular and society at large, said that there is nothing done for the teachers that could quantify the contribution they make to improve on the society. He therefore promised to ensure that the federal government’s policy on their retirement age and the number of years of service is domesticated to become a law.
Additionally, the governor promised to improve on their current wages and salaries such that teaching will be attractive and by choice.
The governor however reminded the teachers to be prepared to teach at their respective communities and deemphasise the idea of struggling to work at Owerri Municipal
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Education, Prof Johncliff Nwadike, congratulated the teachers on their day and reeled out all the good qualities that mark them out from other professionals.
