Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state yesterday approved grade level 17 for teachers in the state, while approving the construction of six new science schools in Jere, Rigachikun, Manchok, Pambegua, Buruku and Hunkuyi from $17.3 million Islamic Development Bank loan.
According to a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Shehu Usman Adamu and made available to Blueprint yesterday, the approval of Grade Level 17 is to enable such teachers reach the pinnacle of their careers without leaving the classroom, while the state benefit from their knowledge and experience and they can impart such knowledge on their students.
“Teachers in Kaduna state schools can now rise to Grade Level 17. Teachers who rise to that level will now be addressed as Director-Tutors, and will bring their knowledge and experience to teaching specific subjects in secondary schools.”
The Kaduna State Executive Council approved this career enhancement as part of its efforts to revamp education and raise the
Adamu explained that “Council approval of this career progression for teachers followed the promise of El-Rufai to ensure that teachers progressed to the highest grade without having to stop teaching.“
He said that the retention of these experienced teachers would help in raising standards in public secondary schools in the state.
“The steps to implement the policy began in August 2015, when Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Secretary to the State Government, notified the Head of Service that the government has approved the extension of the terminal grade for teachers from Grade Level 16 to Grade Level 17.”
The SSG’s letter read in part: “All professional teachers in the public service of Kaduna State can now progress to GL.17, and enjoy all the allowances and privileges attached to the post.’ The letter expressed the hope that the decision will stop the clamour by teachers to convert to other cadres, and requested that necessary steps be taken to implement the decision”.
