They spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos State.
Mr Anslem Izuagie, Principal of Saint Johns Boys Secondary School, Edo State, urged government at all levels to take welfare of teachers as a priority.
He suggested a specialised salary structure for teachers as well as increasing their retirement age to 70 years.
“The welfare of the Nigerian teacher is important, if we are serious about boosting and maintaining the standard of education.
“The teachers will only be motivated to put in their best if they are sure that their welfare is guaranteed. A situation whereby some state governors are owing arrears of teachers’ salaries will be counterproductive.
“Teachers also deserve an improved and specialised salary structure, as well as an increase in their retirement age to 70 as obtains in the university,” he said.
Izuagie is also the National President of the Association of National Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools.
Mr Hamed Adeleke, a school proprietor, also advised government to take the issue of periodic training of teachers seriously.
“Teachers who are already in the system deserve to attend training and refresher courses at regular intervals, to boost their knowledge and professionalism.
“It is also necessary for government to professionalise the teaching profession, so that teachers will be required to have professional certificates to qualify for practice,” he said.
