Demonstration Secondary School of Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, has urged the National Assembly to enact a bill that would formally acknowledge and support demonstration secondary schools in public universities across Nigeria.
Principal of the school, Dr Abdulkareem Adamu-Biu made the appeal during reunion activities for the Demonstration Secondary School Old Students Association, class of 1995.
The reunion was part of activities to commemorate the 30th graduation anniversary of the set.
Adamu-Biu said recognition by an Act of the National Assembly would make a great impact on the welfare of teachers, thereby enhancing teaching and learning.
He expressed concern that both academic and non-academic staff of universities are employees of the universities, but teachers of demonstration secondary schools in public universities across the country are not recognised as such.
According to him, the regulatory body for universities, the National Universities Commission, NUC, does not recognise demonstration secondary schools, lamenting that most of their teachers are not permanent and pensionable employees of the university.
He, therefore, appealed to a member of the House of Representatives in the class of 1995 to push for such bill to be enacted and passed.
Adamu-Biu noted with dismay that most teachers in such schools across the nation are not enjoying the minimum wage in spite of their superlative performance in the classroom.
Earlier, Chairman of the class of 1995, Professor Yahaya Muhammad- Sani of the Department of Chemical Engineering, ABU, said the reunion was purposely to network, support each other and give back to their alma mata.
He added that the class of 1995 had concluded arrangements to build and donate a Computer-Based Test, CBT, centre to the school.
The chairman added that the set would also donate a school bus to the institution.
The event featured presentation of gifts to their teachers and other members for outstanding performance. (NAN)
