In celebration of World Teachers' Day, the Niger State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, honoured 17 teachers across the state for their remarkable contributions to education. The ceremony took place at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna, bringing together educators from all 25 local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, highlighted the significance of World Teachers' Day as a moment to acknowledge the enduring impact of teachers on the educational system. She praised the dedication of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago's administration to advancing the state's educational sector under the New Niger Agenda, emphasising recent reforms such as the long-overdue salary increase for teachers, which aligns with the demands of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
Dr. Mohammed congratulated the award recipients and commended the NUT for its role in organising the celebration. She addressed the longstanding issue of primary school teachers' promotion limits, promising that, going forward, teachers could achieve Grade Level 17 based on merit and commitment.
Addressing other NUT requests, including extending service years from 35 to 40 and retirement age from 60 to 65, the commissioner assured that the ministry is actively working to resolve these matters.
NUT State Chairman, Comrade Adamu Akayago Mohammed, expressed appreciation for the governor’s commitment to education, referencing recent provisions of essential classroom and boarding school resources. He reiterated the celebration’s theme, "Valuing Teachers’ Voices Towards a New Social Contract for Education," and stressed the importance of integrating teachers' perspectives into policy decisions.
Comrade Akayago also called on the state government to continue recognising dedicated teachers to revitalise respect for the profession. He urged the administration to address additional issues such as the extension of retirement age, implementation of domestic servant allowances for primary school teachers, and alleviating promotion stagnation on Grade Level 16.
He commended Dr. Mohammed's proactive efforts, particularly her engagement with stakeholders across the state's senatorial zones, which reflects a commitment to the governor’s New Niger Agenda for transforming education.
The event was a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the Niger State NUT, and the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).