The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) is seeking legal backing for the new special salary scale for basic and secondary school teachers in the country which was recently approved President Muhammadu Buhari.
The President had on Monday approved the special salary for teachers while also increasing the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65. This was as part of the World Teacher’s Day celebration, 2020.
Secretary General of the Association, Dr. Mike Ike-Ene made this known in a chat with journalists yesterday, as he expressed fears over the implementation of the president’s order.
“I don’t know the minds of other people, because this thing needs to be backed by law. If this is not backed by law, it is like someone carrying approval that has no cash point. I have not seen any Act on it now; the next thing is for us to pursue the implementation, so that it will not just be a mere approval. We need to pursue it and back it up with an Act,” he said.
“The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, NUT and other relevant stakeholders must work together and ensure that all of today’s promises become a reality,” Mr Ike-Ene added.
Meanwhile, the President has been commended by teachers and stakeholders across the country for the kind gesture.