EPE News

Retired Principals Call for Recognition and Better Welfare from Government

Published

1 month ago

Dec 6, 2024.

Eko hot blog reports that Members of the Association of Retired Principals of Secondary Schools in Nigeria (ARPSSN) have appealed to the government at all levels to utilize their wealth of experience in advancing the education sector.

The retirees made this call during the 6th edition of their Annual Get-Together, held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Salako Hall, Recreation Centre, Epe.

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The outgoing Chairman of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), Epe Zone, and current Principal of Lagos State Model College, Igbo Nla, Mr. Akinrinmade Sunday Oyegbade, stressed the need to continually improve welfare packages for educators, including retired principals.

“Yes, a lot has been done to improve the welfare of teachers and school administrators, such as job basic allowances and rural riverine allowances, but the economic situation demands that we do more.

Teachers are the ones building the next generation. If we want a brighter future and a technologically developed society, we must equip, motivate, and enhance the welfare of our teachers,” Mr. Oyegbade stated.

He also urged the government to address the welfare of retired principals to ensure they live longer.

“We appeal to the government to look further into our welfare. Retired principals have contributed immensely to society and deserve to be treated with dignity,” he added.

The newly inaugurated ANCOPPS Chairman, Epe Zone, and Principal of Government College, Epe, Mr. Ajayi Sulaimon Adewale, acknowledged the government’s efforts, especially in the timely payment of pensions and other welfare packages.

“The government is trying its best to ensure teachers’ welfare. Recently, jumbo bonuses were given, and pensions are now paid promptly.

As the new ANCOPPS Chairman, I promise to prioritize the interests of our members and ensure their welfare is protected at all levels,” Mr. Ajayi affirmed.

ARPSSN Chairman, Mr. Femi Adeyemi, alongside Chief S.L. Asumba, a retired principal of Odomola Junior Secondary School, called for better recognition and inclusion of retired principals in policymaking and advisory roles.

“We are not spent; we still have so much to offer. The government should remember us and not waste our wealth of experience.

We can serve as guides by the side, even if we are no longer on stage,” said Mr. Adeyemi.

The former Tutor-Generals and Permanent Secretaries of Education Districts II and VI, Lagos State, Mr. Olaniyi Yinka and Chief (Mrs.) Iyabo Osifeso, urged the government to harness the expertise of retired principals in advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

“If there are areas where they are needed, their wealth of experience should not be wasted.

Through their leaders, local governments can reach out to retired principals to involve them in policy development and other impactful roles,” Mr. Yinka suggested.

Otunba Aliu Idowu Shittu, Education Secretary for Epe Federal Constituency and a retired principal, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his efforts in education but emphasized the need for improvement.

“We appreciate the efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu, but there is still room for improvement in teachers’ welfare.

A nation cannot rise above its educational system, and an educational system cannot rise above the quality of its teachers.

If teachers are happy, they can perform their duties effectively,” Otunba Shittu said.