By Abba Gwale
Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has agreed to increase the length of service for teachers in the state from 35 years to 40 years with the age of retirement moved from 60 years to 65 years of age, for all categories of teachers in the state in order to strengthen ties between working class and education with sustainable development.
The Governor disclosed this during Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Award Night, as part of the workers’ day celebration, which took place at Open Theatre, Government House, Kano, Saturday.
In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Abba Anwar, said all the policies would be sustained.
The Governor said, “The length of service for our teachers has been 35 years, I am glad to inform this gathering that, we have now increased the duration to 40 years,”
You are all aware that federal government has made a pronouncement by increasing the retirement age and the length of service of teachers serving under federal government. So we don’t want teachers in Kano state to be left behind.”
He further said Kano State teachers were not onlookers, not bench sitters, not cheaters but teachers, encouraging that, “In order to promote their commitment and motivate our teachers, Kano State has now decided to increase the length of service from 30 years to 35 years. To also increase the retirement age for our teachers from 60 years to 65 years,” Ganduje disclosed.
He added that all teachers from primary to secondary schools up to tertiary institutions, would benefit from the new development, adding that saying that the move is an innovation that the state government cherished and it will be sustained.
He said, “Our teachers are our fathers. They are the backbone of sustainable development. Because without education there is no development. Then if we are to sustain our system of education, then their welfare is absolutely necessary.
You could recall some two or three years back, we promoted our teachers and paid them increased salary for their promotion. Which affected the payment of our monthly salaries with over N500m. That is unprecedented.”
In his earlier remarks the Chairman of the Kano State Branch of NLC, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, commended the Governor for the development of the teachers
“Sir upon what you have done to us and what you have been doing to us, like Oliver Twist, we will ask for more.” Minjibir said.
The Chairman also presented some requests, among which are, “Review for retirement age for civil servants in the state and local governments services. Like what was done to teachers, in their own category.
According to him, by doing this, it will equally reduce the massive increase or pensioners with another 5 years thereby giving an opportunity for State Pension Fund to offset its outstanding liabilities.
