Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Nigerian Union Teachers (NUT), Enugu State chapter has called on the State Government to implement, in full, the N30,000 minimum wage to its members.
The Chairman of NUT in the state, Mr Theophilus Odo, made the demand during the celebration of the 2022 World Teachers Day in Enugu.
Odo lamented the poor working conditions of teachers in Enugu State.
He stated that, apart from the non-implementation of 30,000 minimum wage, the teachers were faced with other numerous challenges.
He called on the State Government to immediately, release all outstanding promotions and payment of terminal benefits to retired teachers in the state.
Other demands by the teachers are: payment of leave allowances; recruitment of new teachers to close the gap created by retirements; and the domestication of new retirement age of 65/40 as approved by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Furthermore, the NUT chairman called for urgent attention of the Government to the provision of welfare packages to teachers, and creation of conducive environment to teaching and learning through provision of modern facilities in schools.
“I want to also draw the attention of the Government to the payment of over head allowances and running costs to school heads.
“And the promotion of teachers in Enugu State to salary Grade Level 17 as is obtained in some other states of the Federation,” he said.
The state NUT chairman saluted the courage of the state teachers in the face of economic challenges facing the state and country.
Odo said that this year’s celebration was low-keyed hence the NUT in the state decided to declare prayers instead of merrymaking.
According to him, the theme of this year’s celebration, “Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers,” highlights the role teachers play in every country.
