By Ummi Ismaeel,
Minna
Former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the “surprise” incentive package for teachers in Nigeria.
He also said however that improving on teachers’ remunerations was long overdue.
“What President Buhari has done is indeed heart-warming, commendable and far-reaching; and above all, improving on teachers’ welfare will encourage them to be more committed and bringing out the best in their chosen career”, the former governor.
Aliyu, in a statement issued by his Media Aide noted that the package was a dream come true for teachers even as he observed that President Buhari has made history by surprisingly putting smiles on the faces of teachers in Nigeria.
“For the first time ever, teachers are now receiving incentive package, an acknowledgment and recognition of their critical role not only as teachers but moulders of character of individual citizens across all spheres of the nigerian society,” Aliyu said.
Aliyu, who was a school teacher, applauded President Buhari for realizing the that teachers were not well remunerated considering the level of sacrifices they make as teachers.
The former governor also advised state governments to ensure that payment of salaries of teachers were top priority in view of their peculiar service and as well to encourage others to make teaching profession an enviable job.
Meanwhile, the former Governor, Babangida Aliyu, has challenged teachers to reciprocate the federal government’s gesture improving their monthly take home by being more dedicated to their jobs even as he urged well meaning Nigerians, educationists and private individuals to always support and encourage teachers.