Abuja:The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has urged both Federal and State governments to promptly establish a Special Teachers’ Salary Structure (STSS) to prevent the decline of the teaching profession.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, ASUSS National President Mr. Sola Adigun made this appeal during the first joint national celebration of World Teachers’ Day in Abuja. The event was organized with the theme ‘Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Futures.’
Mr. Adigun emphasized the need for a salary structure that acknowledges the unique demands of teaching, rewards experience, and attracts young graduates to the profession. He highlighted that current remuneration does not reflect the significant responsibilities of teachers.
He also advocated for a brain retention policy to draw top-tier talent to Nigerian classrooms through competitive incentives, professional development opportunities, and rural posting allowances. Additionally, he called for the implementation of the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022, without administrative hurdles across all states.
The president urged state governments to respect court decisions regarding union representation and collaborate with educators to enhance Nigerian education through tangible actions. He also stressed the importance of upgrading learning environments and ensuring that teachers are consulted during policy-making.
Mr. Adigun underscored that symbolic celebrations are insufficient to address the challenges faced by educators. He highlighted the critical role teachers play in shaping every professional sector, emphasizing that investing in teachers is synonymous with investing in the nation’s future.