The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has pledged to recruit more teachers and appoint qualified teachers who have attained the rank of Director as Permanent Secretaries in the next batch of appointments.
Professor Soludo made the pledge at the celebration of World Teachers’ Day held at the Anambra State Teachers’ House in Awka.
The Governor explained that while teachers’ career progression ends at the Director level, appointment to the position of Permanent Secretary is subject to eligibility and government approval.
“Promotion of teachers ends at the level of a Director, while the post of a Permanent Secretary is by appointment. Right now, we have some names who have applied and are undergoing scrutiny. In the next batch, the eligible ones among you will be appointed,” he said.
Professor Soludo also reaffirmed that the retirement age remains 60, but said teachers who wish to continue working beyond that age could do so voluntarily, subject to assessment on merit.
He commended teachers for their contribution to educating and shaping children and acknowledged their support for his re-election.
“Teachers are the greatest force that drives society to greater heights. It is a noble profession which shows the light and must be the light. The future of Anambra is in your hands; ensure you go to school daily,” he said.
The Governor said his administration was implementing major development projects that would transform the state, including a new aerotropolis, industrial city and markets, as well as what he described as a new economic gateway to the Southeast.
He said the projects were intended to lay the foundation for Anambra’s long-term development.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Anambra State wing, Comrade Chika Grace Chukwudozie, said the annual celebration recognises the contribution of teachers and highlights issues affecting the profession.
She said the event commemorates the 1966 recommendations of UNESCO and the International Labour Organisation on the status of teachers.
Chukwudozie commended the state government for regular payment of teachers’ salaries and allowances, promotions, training and retraining, school renovations as well as the upgrading of some schools to smart schools.
She also cited the introduction of free education through senior secondary school as part of measures to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state.
Other interventions, she said, include the rehabilitation and equipping of technical schools, provision of learning materials, shuttle buses and speedboats for teachers, students and monitoring teams, as well as support for students with physical disabilities.
The NUT chairperson, however, appealed for increased teacher recruitment, raising the promotion ceiling for teachers to Salary Grade Level 17, appointment of qualified teachers as Permanent Secretaries and implementation of the new retirement age for teachers.
The 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration was held under the theme: “Standing With Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting The Profession, Advancing Its Status And Shaping Our Futures.”
