By Olamilekan Oluwatuyi
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Teachers in Ondo State have continued to shower encomium on the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for approving service elongation for teachers.
Governor Akeredolu recently approved 40 service years and 65years retirement age for teachers in the Sunshine State.
Speaking in exclusive interviews with The Hope, the teachers stated that development would promote professionalism in the profession and motivate them to be more efficient.
According to State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Victor Amoko said the service elongation would keep experienced teachers in the profession to continue to impart knowledge on the students.
While adding that it gives opportunity for young teachers to learn from the old ones, Amoko noted that many experienced and energetic teachers had left the profession due to the short time they had in service.
He further stated that the new service and retirement years will allow teachers reach the peak of their career.
“With this extension, I think some of the teachers can still gather another two good promotion which will make them be at the peak of their career and some of these teachers that are retiring they are still in action
“When you look at some teachers that retired a year or ago, you can still see them agile and some of them can become farmers; they are still in action to do the job.
“Since they have the experience, let them remain there for the next five years so the experience will talk for them.
“Besides, all these developed countries do not 60 years retirement age for teachers. We have 67 in the United Kingdom, 70 in China and 65 years in the United States of America
“So, I believe by the time we try that, the state will benefit, teachers will benefit, also the children benefit too and the whole population will benefit “, he concluded.
Also, a school Headmistress, Mrs. Asere Agnes, while appreciating Governor Akeredolu, said the new retirement age would allow experienced teachers impart more knowledge on the pupils.
She said many retired teachers are still strong and mentally fit to be class but the 60 years retirement age threw them out of service, saying the service extension is a form of motivation for them.
