Insecurity has forced many teachers off the schools — NUT

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Union said its members are evading classes in many communities in some states because the schools are unsafe, and teachers

have become targets of the armed non-state actors who are bent on unleashing terror and penury on the people.

NUT President, Titus Amba, who addressed journalists at the annual solemn assembly of the Union in Abuja, on Monday, said that cases of teachers particularly at rural and semi-urban communities being kidnapped and killed in the last few months has sent deep fears on members, thus their decision to take precautions.

He narrated a recent case in Kaduna State where a Principal in one of the public basic schools in one of Birnin Gwari communities was kidnapped alongside his three children. “Huge millions were demanded for the release of the Principal and his children. I can confirm to you that the man has been killed while he children are still being held captive by the kidnappers.”

He suggested that Federal Government declare a State of Emergency in the security system, and it should remain until the security situation in the country improves. “Government at all levels should also do the needful since security is everybody’s business.

“Undoubtedly, no meaningful development can be achieved without security assurance in the country. So, it’s imperative to move all stumbling blocks that are bedeviling our security architecture. It’s also our desire that government at all levels and all stakeholders should join hands to protect our schools and the education workers in Nigeria.”

The NUT President, however, re-presented the demands for the welfare of teachers to the Federal Government for actualization, some of which includes, the demand for the funding of primary and secondary education to be placed on First Line charge in the revenue allocation of the country. “This will go long way to address the issue of irregular salary payment of teachers across the states.”

He also highlighted the issue of Teachers’ Professional Salary Structure that was supposed to have been implemented in 2023, but has not been accommodated in the budget. “We will continue to push for its implementation.”

He also expressed the anger of teachers at the issue of the scheme of service for all teachers in Nigeria not being in uniform, and as such the Union will continue to move for its actualization through the various organs responsible.

He assured the teachers that the Union is vigorously pushing the domestication of law of 65 years of age and 40 years of service that was enacted in 2022.

He added: “The NUT is unhappy with the economic situation in the country, and the free fall of the Naira. We are, therefore, demanding that Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) act fast to contain the rising inflation.

“In addition to that, we are closely monitoring the activities of the new National Committee on Minimum Wage. We won’t hesitate to provide updates as regards on the implementation and amount agreed as new minimum wage.”