Reps seek improved welfare for teachers

The House of Representatives has urged executive arm of the federal government, to better the lives teachers through improved welfare.

While making the call on Wednesday October 5 commemoration of the Teachers Day, the House commended Nigerian teachers and their counterparts all over the world for their sacrifices.

This followed a motion by Dachung Bagos on the Need for the House to recognise and commend teachers, observing that knowing that the day is very important in the life of teachers worldwide, it is important for the house to honour teachers in Nigeria and at the same time give them a standing ovation in recognition of their sacrifices to building the nation.

“I come under personal explanation to move that we set aside our relevant rules considering the fact that today is World Teachers Day to enable us recognize the people that has brought us to where we are today and are busy building the next generation.

“It is a fact that most of us became who we are today as a result of sacrifice of teachers who offered to teach us and are preparing the next generation. Not only that, we cannot count the number of us here today who were teachers before coming to this hallowed chamber.

“We all know that despite the ongoing ASUU strike, the House has recognized the importance of teachers and has, in the past few weeks intervened on the issue of ASUU strike. This is a very important day for teachers world-wide, it will be a thing of honour for the House to recognize; it will be a thing of honour for the House to honor teachers in Nigeria and if possible, give them a standing ovation for their sacrifice in building the nation”, the lawmaker stated.

Deputy Speaker Idris Wase in his remarks recalled how much the House  has done for Nigerian teachers, including amendment that saw an increase in the retirement age of teachers, as well as the ongoing efforts at addressing the ASUU strike.

“I want to say that this House has done a lot on the issue brought by Hon. Bagos. We amended the retirement age for Teachers and has intervened in several issues, including the ongoing ASUU strike which is part of the teaching profession,” he said.

While supporting the motion, the Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elemelu, said that “Rising from the fact that whatever we are today was as a result of our tutoring from school and giving that today is Teachers Day, it was important to celebrate teachers.”