School of Pensions and Retirement Plan Berths in Abuja

The first ever Abuja School of Pensions and Retirement Planning (ASPRP) to provide tertiary education for acquisition of vital skills and capacity in pension administration and management has been commissioned in Abuja.

Speaking at the commissioning of the school, the Minister of

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Bello, said the establishment of the school was a proof of FCT administration’s commitment to encourage innovation, enterprise and ingenuity, especially in the education sector.

Bello, who was represented by Senator Isa Mania, added that the training and planning for retirement were key for all working Nigerians who would certainly face the reality of life after retirement.

“Retirement from active employment is a reality; people must retire and face the reality of life.

“But many people face the fear of cessation of a steady income, that is why proper training and planning for retirement is a key to ensure that our senior citizens do not suffer after sacrificing so much for the service of the nation.

“And very few people have the requisite knowledge on these areas as many retirees have made mistakes while investing their retirement benefits due to poor advice,” he said.

Bello urged the governing council, lecturers and staff of the institution to ensure a high academic and moral standard of graduates that would emanate from the school.

He said the graduates would be required to contribute to the vital sectors of the economy.

Located at the Heritage House along Sultan Abubakar Way in Wuse Zone 3, ASPRP, a private-sector-driven monotechnic, was approved by the Ministry of Education, having met the requirements of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Also, speaking at the event, NBTE Executive Secretary, Masoud Kazaure, said the school became necessary, giving the far-reaching implications of pensions and retirement planning to people’s lives and the economy.

Kazaure said NBTE, in partnership with National Pension Commission (PenCom), selected experts, and management of ASPRP with other major stakeholders to develop curricula in National Diploma, and Higher National Diploma in Pensions Administration and Management.

NBTE boss added that the school was set up to advance academic pursuit and define career roadmaps in the Nigerian pension industry, in addition to assisting workers and organisations to prepare for fulfilled retirement.