As Nigerians mark World Teachers’ Day, teachers in Gombe State are expressing concerns over their poor welfare, citing rising living costs and inadequate salaries. Malam Muhammadu Sanusi, a teacher at Gombe Comprehensive Secondary School, described the reality of teaching as increasingly difficult due to the high cost of living. He emphasized that their take-home pay is insufficient to meet their basic needs, making it challenging for them to cope with the rising costs of food, transportation, and accommodation.
The teachers' plight is further exacerbated by the current minimum wage, which they believe is inadequate to address their pressing needs. Malam Lamido Dantiti, a teacher at an LEA school in Gombe, called for improved remuneration and better working conditions, stating that teachers deserve more than just recognition during annual celebrations. He emphasized that the minimum wage is not enough to support teachers with families, and that their welfare should be a priority.
The challenges confronting teachers in Gombe State go beyond salaries, with many struggling to balance their professional responsibilities with the demands of providing for their families. Malam Sambo Murtala noted that teachers are facing significant economic hardships, with a substantial portion of their income going towards basic necessities. This has made it difficult for them to support their families and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Mrs Salome Gambo, a teacher, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the economic challenges are taking a toll on teachers. She emphasized that teachers deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labor while still alive, rather than being celebrated only after retirement or death. Gambo called for improved welfare and incentives for teachers, which would not only ease their economic burden but also motivate them to deliver better learning outcomes.
The teachers in Gombe State are urging the government to prioritize their welfare through improved salaries, timely promotions, better working conditions, and other incentives. They believe that this would restore dignity to the teaching profession and motivate them to provide quality education. The teachers' concerns are not unique to Gombe State, as the issue of teacher welfare is a national concern.
In a goodwill message, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, commended teachers in Gombe and across Nigeria for their contributions to education and national development. He described teachers as the driving force behind educational progress and the development of future generations. Yahaya emphasized the need to modernize the teaching profession through innovation, digital technology, and professional development.
Governor Yahaya reiterated his administration's commitment to strengthening the education sector through teacher recruitment, capacity building, and improved school infrastructure. He noted that investments in teachers are fundamental to improving educational standards and building a skilled, productive, and competitive society. The governor assured teachers of his administration's continued commitment to reforms that enhance their professional capacity and improve teaching conditions.
Key points
- Gombe State teachers are calling for improved welfare, including better salaries and working conditions, to address the challenges they face.
- The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has commended teachers for their contributions to education and national development.
- The governor has reiterated his administration's commitment to strengthening the education sector through teacher recruitment, capacity building, and improved school infrastructure.
