Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has stated that his administration has maintained an up-to-date payment status for workers' salaries, pensions, gratuities, and death benefits across the state, local government areas, and local government education authorities. Speaking at the 59th National Conference of Delegates of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Enugu, Idris emphasized his government's commitment to the welfare of teachers and workers. He cited leadership by example as a key factor in his administration's decision to prioritize prompt payments.
Idris highlighted his government's efforts to improve the education sector, including the absorption of over 5,000 professional workers, including teachers, medical personnel, and lawyers, into the permanent civil service. This move aimed to eliminate casualization and provide job security to the workers. Additionally, about 6,144 civil servants, including teachers and health workers, were recruited to strengthen the workforce. These efforts demonstrate the governor's commitment to enhancing the lives of workers and teachers in Kebbi State.
The governor emphasized the importance of primary education, describing it as the bedrock of societal advancement. He declared that teachers should not be treated as second-class workers and announced an increase in the years of service for teachers from 35 to 40. He also mentioned plans to increase the years of service for doctors and other sectors. Idris' statements reflect his administration's focus on improving the welfare and working conditions of teachers and workers.
Idris' address to the conference also touched on his personal background, recalling his foray into politics and the skepticism he faced due to his profession as a teacher. He expressed gratitude to the workers who supported him and ensured his election as governor. The governor's remarks were well-received by the conference attendees, who appreciated his commitment to their welfare.
Earlier in the conference, NUT National President, Comrade Audu Amba, raised concerns about the Federal Government's plan to concession King's College, Lagos, to the King's College Old Boys' Association under a Public-Private Partnership. Amba described the move as a threat to the employment security, professional autonomy, and workplace rights of teachers. He called for the immediate suspension and reversal of the plan, citing the need for meaningful consultation with critical stakeholders.
Amba also lamented the low budgetary allocations to education, noting that many states refused to access their counterpart funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission. He appealed to the Federal Government to work with state governments to implement approved incentives and welfare packages for teachers, including a special salary scale, bursary awards, and a special teachers' pension scheme. The NUT president's remarks highlighted the challenges facing the education sector and the need for collaborative solutions.
The conference, themed "Deployment of Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Education Will Erode the Place of Teachers in the Classroom: Myth or Reality?", aimed to address the impact of technology on the teaching profession. The event concluded on September 30, with attendees reflecting on the key issues discussed, including the welfare of teachers, education funding, and the role of technology in education.
Key points
- Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris claims his administration has paid all salaries, pensions, and gratuities to workers, teachers, and pensioners.
- Idris' administration has absorbed over 5,000 professional workers into the permanent civil service and recruited 6,144 civil servants to strengthen the workforce.
- NUT National President Audu Amba raised concerns about the Federal Government's plan to concession King's College, Lagos, and low budgetary allocations to education.
