Ayuba Sanusi
KEBBI STATE governor, Comrade (Dr) Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu has assented to an executive bill for the increase of retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years and from 35 to 40 years in service.
The signing ceremony was performed by the governor at the Government House Birnin Kebbi this Wednesday and witnessed by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Usman Muhammad Ankwe.
Governor Idris, while thanking members of the state House of Assembly for the passage of the bill, described the day as historic in the lives of Kebbi State teachers.
He expressed delight in championing the struggle for the teachers’ bill when he was the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
“And fortunately, I am the architect of the struggle, when I was the President of NUT, I ran from one pillar to another to ensure that the former President, Muhammad Buhari assented to the bill which he graciously did.
“School teachers will never forget this day because their yearning is to see the bill passed by KBHA and assented to by the Executive.
“I urge the primary and secondary school teachers to salute the courage of the Speaker and members of the state House of Assembly for this historic day ‘, he pointed out.
The governor also applauded the harmonious working relationship between the House and the Executive.
“This is a clear testimony that the House of Assembly of Kebbi State is a House of people”.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Usman Muhammad Ankwe said the bill is aimed at addressing a crucial matter that affected the lives and careers of the primary and secondary school teachers which is the retirement age and length of service.
According to him, teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation.
Ankwe added, “They are custodians of knowledge moulding young minds of the future.
“It is our duty to ensure that our teachers are well supported, motivated and provided with necessary measures to enhance their professional lives.”
He also emphasized that the bill would establish a standardized retirement age and length of service for the teachers in the state.
“The governor also recognised the invaluable experience and wisdom that comes with years of dedicated service.
“The government aimed to create a fair and equitable framework for retirement benefits and pensions, ensuring our dignity and financial security. 
“This will not only reward their years of service but also serve as an incentive for attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers in our state’s schools.
“The government has understood the challenges faced by our teachers, such as heavy workload, limited resources and evolving demands of the education sector,” Ankwe said.
The Speaker implored the stakeholders to lend support to the bill by recognising its potential to uplift the teaching profession and improve the quality of education in the state.
In another development, at the meeting of the State Executive Council presided over by Governor Nasir Idris, the Council approved the implementation of the State Action Business Enabling Reforms, SEBA Programme aimed at facilitating ease of doing business in the state.
Under the scheme, Kebbi State would receive Fifty-Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars from the 700 million dollars of the World Bank nationwide.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Abba Sani Kalgo, said the state government would put necessary measures in place preparatory to the kick-off of the programme to achieve the target objective.
Dr. Abba added that the administration has upheld adherence to its fiscal responsibility policy and World Bank guidelines to enhance the economic prosperity of the state.
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Junaid Bello Marshal and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Halima Muhammad Bande, also addressed journalists at the briefing.
The state deputy governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Bala Tafida and the Head of Service, Safiyanu Garba Bena, attended the Executive Council meeting.
Eighteen-Eleven Media