Kogi teachers allege govt neglect of public schools

THE Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Kogi State chapter has accused the state government of “deliberately killing public schools so that the private ones will thrive in the state‎.”

   The State Chairman of NUT, Suleiman Ndalayi Abdullahi, who stated this at the weekend in Lokoja while speaking with newsmen‎ decried the neglect of basic education teachers by the state government.

   He alleged that‎ teachers at the basic education level have continued to be discriminated against, saying they are not at par with other civil servants in the state in terms of salary and other welfare packages.

   According to him, teachers at this level are yet to enjoy minimum wage after other workers have benefited for several years, adding that their promotions have also not been backed with cash for four years.

   Other areas he listed include annual incremental rates, which have not been implemented, as well as non-payment of leave grant for several years.

   He stated that the situation remained the same in spite of several meetings and agreements reached with government officials.

   “Is this a way to motivate teachers? The question we are asking now is who is sabotaging all the efforts to make teachers get their due. It is sad that some of us are accessing October salaries in January, while November is just commencing. So when will December be paid?”

   Continuing, he said, “Today our teachers cannot take care of their health needs, pay their bills, feed their families, provide the basic needs for their families and relations. What do you expect from a teacher that faces all these challenges?”

   He appealed to the government, royal fathers, opinion leaders, well meaning citizens and stakeholders to help salvage basic education in the state.