The Edo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Bernard Gbenga Ajabuwe, alongside the union’s secretary, Comrade Aremu Rasheed, and other executive members, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Barrister Mrs. Onomen Briggs, to discuss key issues affecting the education sector.
Welcoming the delegation, Barrister Briggs expressed appreciation for their visit and reiterated her commitment to working collaboratively to advance basic education in the state. She acknowledged the vital role of teachers in shaping the future and assured the union that their concerns would receive due attention.
During the meeting, the NUT chairman commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for appointing Barrister Briggs, describing her as a competent leader well-suited for the role. He highlighted critical challenges facing teachers in the state, particularly the acute shortage of personnel in public schools, and appealed for immediate recruitment, prioritizing EDOSTAR teachers in the process.
Other issues raised included the pending promotion of teachers since 2022, which the union urged the government to expedite. The chairman also called for an increase in school subventions, the payment of the 13th-month salary to primary school teachers and retirees, and the harmonization of the retirement age to 70 years in line with federal government policy. Additionally, he advocated for a review of primary school closing hours, proposing a return to the previous 1:45 p.m. dismissal time
In her response, Barrister Briggs assured the union that the promotion of teachers had been approvedand that letters would be issued soon. She emphasized the need for teachers to uphold professionalism and commitment to duty, noting concerns about absenteeism among some teachers. She reaffirmed her dedication to fostering a conducive working environment and assured the union that their concerns would be given due consideration in policy decisions.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing to maintain open communication and collaboration in addressing challenges within the education sector.
