By Musa Isa Ahmed
Teachers of science and English Language in primary and secondary schools in Adamawa State are to statutorily retire on attainment of 40years in service or 65years of age whichever comes first.
In a circular obtained from the office of the Head of service, Establishment and Training Department titled ‘ Adamawa State Teachers retirement years’ as signed by the permanent secretary, Dr. Barminas A. Gayus said the ‘teachers retirement (Amendment) law 2020 takes effect from 30th June 2020.
The circular, was addressed to the Accountant General, Auditor General, Executive Chairman, Planning Commission, Local Government Audit, Post Primary Schools Management Board Yola, Ministry of Finance and Budget as well as Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.
Other statutory ministries copied include: Ministry for Local Government Affairs, Ministry of Higher Education, Universal Basic Education Board, Board of Internal Revenue Yola.
The circular quotes ”following the enactment of the, Adamawa State House of Assembly and it’s subsequent Amendment by the Adamawa State Teachers (amendment law 8 of 2020 assented to by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri), I directed that, Teachers of science and English Language in primary and secondary schools in the state are to statutorily retire on attainment of 40years in service or 65years of age whichever comes first’
The circular added that ‘those affected are professional Teachers qualified to teach, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, computer science, statistics, Health science, Agriculture, Home economics, Physical health Education, Inter-Science, Geography, Economics, Accounting and Commerce.’
Investigation revealed that the new retirement years have been gazeeted by the Adamawa State Government as Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has signed a white-paper on it.
The leadership of Nigeria Union of Teachers in Adamawa has been pushing for the actualization of the new retirement years.
Chairman of NUT, Comrade Rodney Nathan, thanked Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Adamawa State House Assembly, the Head of Service, Dr. Amos Edgar and all the authorities that helped in the process.
The action, according to policy Makers and professionals would help in retaining professional Teachers in service than retiring early and stay idle at home.
