Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
As the former governor of Taraba State, Arc Darius Dickson Ishaku battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, to clear himself over alleged N27bn fraud, teachers in Taraba State have pleaded with the governor of the state, Dr Agbu Kefas to pay them four months’ outstanding salaries the ex-governor owed them before the end of his administration.
The chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers NUT, Taraba State Chapter, Comrade Nathan Solomon echoed the teachers voices while speaking at the occasion of the 2024 edition of the World Teachers’ Day (WTD), held weekend at the union’s Secretariat in Jalingo.
Comrade Nathan stressed that if the inherited arrears are paid by Dr Agbu Kefas, it would reduce financial pressure on teachers in the state and they would be encouraged to put in their best as they serve in their various areas of primary assignment.
He lauded Governor Agbu Kefas for doing so much towards advancing the education sector of the state within the short time he had being in office, noting that the mind blowing projects executed by the governor in the state had started yielding valuable fruits
Comrade Solomon particularly identified the free education policy at both primary and secondary school levels and the reduction of tuition fees of tertiary institutions in the state by 50% in the state, saying that the policies have significantly increased students enrollment and reduced the financial burden faced by many families across the state
“The governor’s kind gesture is not just a relief to parents but a clear indication of the government’s commitment to making education accessible to all, irrespective of social or economic status”. He stated.
The chairman reaffirmed the commitment of NUT towards promoting teachers’ welfare, ensuring their protection and engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure that teachers in the state were not just respected but are provided with the tools and in an environment where they would discharge their noble tasks successfully
He reiterated that the Union would continue to work collaboratively with key actors in the education sector to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of teaching and learning across the state
While congratulating teachers on their celebration of the 2024 edition of the World Teachers Day, the Commissioner, Taraba State Ministry of Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, described teachers as mothers of all professions whose contribution to nation building can never be undermined
The Commissioner stressed Governor Kefas’ commitment towards teachers’ welfare, saying that the governor was determined to continue doing his best to ensure quality education of children in the state
The 2024 World Teachers’ Day with the theme, “Valuing Teachers voices towards a new social contract for Education”, was celebrated in style in Jalingo, as teachers who troop up en mass for the celebration had ample chances to air their views and participate in different and assorted programs carefully lined up for the annual event.
