Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), has warned the Okowa-led administration to implement the national new minimum wage to primary school teachers or face their wrath.
Briefing journalists at the NUT Secretariat in Asaba, the State Chairman, Mr. Titus Okotie, disclosed that two weeks into the 2021/2022 second term academic session, failure on the part of the government to pay the new minimum wage and other pressing issues, he would led teachers at the primary school level on a two day peaceful protest to properly educate and sentize them and the public.
A communique issued at the end of an exra-ordinary meeting State Wing Executive Council (SWEC), lamented the levity with which the state government has handled the issues over the years.
The Communique included that after an x-ray of the present situation of scute shortage of teachers in “our school system and the continued stagnation of University graduate primary school teachers on Salary Grade Level 14”, the Union has come to a conclusion to task the government on the needful.
“Having exhausted all avenues of dialogue with the state government, SWEC-in Session considered this long delay in the implementation of the N30, 000 minimum wage for primary school teachers as deliberate and diabolic ploy to further frustrate only these set of teachers while civil servants and other workers enjoy same. This has further subjected them to second class citizens in the State we all call our own”.
The body resolved that “the State government and other relevant stakeholders should as a matter of urgency set necessary machineries in motion for the amicable settlement of the issue as a precondition for peaceful resumption of schools for the 2021/2022 second term academic session.
“However, that two weeks after resumption of schools for the 2021/2022 academic session without the payment of the N30, 000 minimum wage and resolution of other contending issues, the NUT shall lead all primary school teachers in the state on a two day peaceful protest across the 25 local government areas to properly sensitize members and the general public.
“That the protest shall herald the commencement of a total eclipse on the state primary education system”, just as they called on the state government to act fast in the overall interest of a peaceful industrial climate in the state and save our primary education system from immediate collapse”.
The Communique which was signed by the State Chairman, Secretary, Comrade Dan Basime and the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adaboke Emmanuel, was read out by the State Chairman, Comrade Titus Okotie.
Meanwhile, a vote of implicit confidence was passed on the state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for his giant stride in the education sector as evident in the establishment of more technical colleges, institution of Annual Teachers’ Award to deserving teachers in the state, establishment of the teachers professional development center, promotion of eligible teachers as and when due and prompt payment of teachers’ monthly salaries and emoluments.
