The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed concern over the delay in accommodating the teachers’ professional salary structure in the country’s budget and calls for prompt implementation.

Speaking at the union’s 6th annual solemn assembly on Monday in Abuja, the national president, NUT, Audu Amba, explained that the salary structure ought to have been implemented since 2023.

In commemoration of World Teachers Day on Oct. 5, 2020, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved a special salary scale for teachers in the country.

Mr Buhari also increased the number of years of service and retirement age of teachers from 35 to 40 and 60 to 65, respectively.

He said there would be a special salary scale for teachers in basic and secondary schools, including provisions for rural posting allowance, science teachers allowance and peculiar allowance.

Other promises include building low-cost housing for teachers in rural areas and sponsorship to at least one refresher training per annum to benchmark best practices for improved teaching and learning.

Mr Amba, however, regretted that the approvals made by the former president were yet to be implemented, particularly the professional salary structure for teachers.

He, therefore, urged the present administration to ensure the implementation of the policies for the development of the nation’s educational sector.

Mr Amba explained that the solemn assembly by the NUT was organised to submit the activities of the union in to the hands of God.

“We found it imperative to invite Imams and Pastors of the reputable image from our two great religions – Islam and Christianity to, as usual, lead us in praying to God.

“Committing our leaders, members, teachers and their welfare packages to the overall master – God, towards an all-embracing success for the betterment of Nigerian teachers and the country at large.

“I want, as a matter of fact commit myself to the uplifting of the Union to greater heights while leaning on the various achievements of my immediate past President,” he said.

Earlier, the clerics, Imam Muhammad Bin Uthman and Rev. Fr Nduka Uzor, urged Nigerians, especially teachers, to be truthful and committed in the discharge of their duties.

They respectively urged Nigerians to learn to live together, preserve lives, be patient and humble themselves.

(NAN)