The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Cross River State Wing, has called on the state government to increase the budgetary allocation to the education sector from the current 15 per cent to 25 per cent to properly position the sector for effective service delivery.

State Chairman of NUT, Comrade Gregory Olayi, made the call during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Calabar on Sunday. The event had as its theme: “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession: Together for Teachers, Together for Tomorrow.”

Describing teaching as a noble profession, Olayi lamented that teachers — the implementers of the educational vision — have been neglected by successive governments, leading to their diminished status in society.

He also urged the state government to promote teachers to level 17 and the position of permanent secretary, as is obtainable in neighbouring states such as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers.

He demanded the prompt payment of primary school teachers, accelerated implementation of the Teachers’ Salary Structure, and professional development programmes.

Olayi called for the release of education funds, the implementation of all pending promotions for primary and secondary school teachers by October 2025, the recruitment of more teachers to address shortages in schools, and the payment of rural allowances to teachers serving in hard-to-reach areas.

He also appealed for the provision of teaching materials such as chalk, diaries, and lesson notes to enhance productivity.

In his address, Governor Bassey Otu congratulated teachers for their resilience, hard work, and immense contribution to human capital development in the state.

Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare, stating that “a teacher’s reward should begin on earth and not only in heaven.”

He assured that the government would continue to prioritise education and maintain a strong partnership with the NUT.

Otu highlighted some of his administration’s initiatives, including the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa and the comprehensive renovation of the state library to international standards with modern facilities.

The governor, however, cautioned against absenteeism and dereliction of duty by some teachers, warning that anyone found wanting would face sanctions.

He urged teachers to adopt modern teaching methods, engage in research, and embrace digital transformation in education.

In a goodwill message, the National President of the NUT, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, commended the state government for its commitment to improving education standards.

He also urged the recruitment of more qualified teachers and continuous training to equip them with the skills required to meet 21st-century teaching demands.

The event featured a presentation on the celebration’s theme by Dr. Elizabeth Bebuo Anthony, Head of Music Education, University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa.