Mairo Adamu Mani
The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. (Dr) Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, represented by the Deputy Leader and Member Representing Agwara Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Nura Garba, has expressed gratitude to stakeholders for attending the public hearing on the Bill for a Law to Amend the Niger State Law to provide for the retirement age of Academic Staff of Tertiary institutions and for connected purposes 2025.
The public hearing provided a platform for stakeholders to share their views on the matter, which will directly impact the quality and stability of the education sector in Niger State.
The public hearing, which was attended by various stakeholders, including Commissioners, Vice Chancellors, Provosts, and representatives of academic unions, was a significant step towards ensuring that the Bill is comprehensive and effective. Hon. Mohammed Nura Garba emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in ensuring that the Bill meets the needs of all parties involved.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Education and Member Representing Tafa Constituency, Hon. Muhammad Sani Idris, welcomed stakeholders to the public hearing. Hon. Idris informed the stakeholders that the Bill seeks to amend the existing 2020 retirement age law with a view to harmonizing the academic and non-academic staff of state-owned tertiary institutions. He stated that the amendment is necessary to ensure that Niger State is not left behind, given that similar amendments have been made at the Federal Level in 2012.
Hon. Idris further explained that the 10th Assembly desires to ensure that Niger State competes in all ramifications, especially with the present administration’s efforts in the New Niger Agenda. He emphasized the importance of inviting stakeholders to give their inputs and ensure that the law that will be enacted will stand the test of time. This, he said, will enable the state to have a robust education system that can compete with other states in the country.
The Chairman also highlighted the importance of establishing new universities in the state and the need for a comprehensive law that will govern the retirement age of academic staff in these institutions. He noted that the Bill is a timely initiative that will help to ensure that the education sector in Niger State is stable and competitive.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Mamangi, commended the Niger State House of Assembly for their proactive approach to expanding the scope of the Bill. He noted that the House is trying to carve out the retirement age of those in the professorial cadre to be distinct from other lecturers. This, he said, will enable the state to have a more effective and efficient education system.
Hon. Mamangi further stated that for non-academic staff, there are certain categories of staff that are not supposed to stay in service up to 65 years, and that this category of staff should be outsourced in other institutions. He commended the House for their commitment and proactive approach to ensuring that the education sector in Niger State is stable and competitive.
The public hearing was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including Commissioners, Vice Chancellors, Provosts, and representatives of academic unions, such as ASUU, NASUU, and COEASU, among others. The attendance and participation of these stakeholders underscore the importance of this Bill and the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to its implementation.
In conclusion, the Niger State House of Assembly is committed to ensuring that the education sector in the state is stable and competitive. The public hearing on the Bill to amend the retirement age of academic staff in tertiary institutions is a significant step towards achieving this goal. The Assembly looks forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the Bill is passed into law and implemented effectively.