By Dare Akogun
The Kwara state chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers Comrade Yusuf Agboola, has called on the state government to constitute a committee to address the disparity in the salary structure of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) teachers.
Comrade Agboola made the call at the 2023 World Teacher’s day celebration, held today in Ilorin the Kwara State capital saying that Non-rectification of the causes of salary disparities between SUBEB and TESCOM teachers and non- implementation of 27.5 percent TSA is causing disunity among teachers in the state.
The chairman also called for the cash backing of TESCOM promotions of 2021 and 2022, and the release of 2022 promotions for teachers under SUBEB.
According to him “No cash backing of TESCOM promotions of 2021 and 2022, although the letters have been released to teachers.
“Non-release of 2022 promotions for teachers under SUBEB. Non-payment of the remaining 275% Arrears of Teachers salaries owed SUBEB teachers as also promised by State Government.
“Non-rectification of the causes of salary disparities between SUBEB and TESCOM teachers and non- implementation of 27.5% TSA to all Teachers, despite the promise made by Mr. Governor to do so during the last year World Teachers Day Celebration held at Banguet Hall of Government House in Ilorin.
“Having listed some of our challenges, I wish to note that our meetings with some Education Stakeholders in the state during the Leadership Courtesy visits, not long ago, gave us opportunities to discuss the above pending issues and by the Grace of God, we believe that there may be light at the end of the tunnel”, he said.
The chairman also called on the state government to key into the new Teachers Retirement templates of 65/40 years, “as presently being enjoyed in states like Osun, Adamawa Zamfara, Kano, Anambra, Ondo, Kogi, Yobe, Kebbi, Akwa-lbom, Ebonyi, Delta, etc”.
“Some other issues we want the state government to look into include non-recruitment of more teachers to fill the gaps occasioned by retirements and other reasons.
“Subsidy removal/palliative compensation for Kwara s himtate teachers for June 2023 and subsequent months of two days weekly exemption of other workers not implemented for Kwara teachers as promised by government.
“We suggest that a Committee of Education Stakeholders be constituted by Kwara State Government to unravel the factors responsible for the salary
disparities and make recommendations on the way out of the quagmire,” he said.
While delivering his lecture the Dean, faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Professor Yahaya Alabi, themed, “the teachers we need for the education we want: the global imperative to reverse teachers’ shortage, said teachers in the 21st century should be computer literate and have in-depth knowledge of curriculum and subject matter.
The education expert, who lamented shortage of teachers in most public schools, said that teachers in the country should be recognized and appreciated to reverse the trend.
The teachers we need in the 21st century should have broad knowledge of the learners, have
effective classroom management, have effective communication, arm himself/herself with effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues and parents and have
licensure and professionalism”, he said.
The education expert, who lamented shortage of teachers in most public schools, said that teachers in the country should be recognized and appreciated to reverse the trend.
He also said that living wages of teachers should also be addressed with special salary scale, adding that stakeholders of education should emphasize on training and retraining.
“Some other factors to reverse the trend of teachers’ shortage include incentives and rewards, conducive working environment, professional development, autonomy and empowerment, conducive working environment, clear communication, career advancement opportunities as well as prompt payment of retirement benefits”, he said.
Professor Alabi emphasized academic qualification, professional qualification and personal characteristics as part of characteristics teachers in the country need to have in order to meet global standard.
