By Abdullahi Tukur
The Kebbi State Government has approved the payment of a N75,000 minimum wage to 17,620 teachers across the state, bringing their earnings in line with those of other civil servants.
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Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Abubakar Zaki, commended Governor Nasir Idris for keeping his promise on teachers’ welfare.
He said the approval followed Governor Idris’ endorsement of the White Paper on the report submitted by the committee constituted to audit the teaching workforce in the state.
According to him, the committee was set up to determine the actual number of qualified and unqualified teachers, review their salary structure and establish the total strength of the teaching workforce.
Zaki described Governor Idris, a professional teacher and former labour leader, as a leader who has demonstrated strong commitment to improving the welfare of teachers and the education sector.
“As a professional teacher and veteran labour leader, Governor Idris has demonstrated zeal and compassion in uplifting the welfare of teachers, the teaching profession and the education sector,” he said.
According to him, the union also appreciates the administration’s investment in school infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of 2,650 schools and the construction of 200 new ones to provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
He disclosed that following the verification exercise ordered by the governor and the subsequent approval of the new wage in September, teachers would begin to enjoy the new salary effective from October.
“After the verification exercise ordered by the Governor and consequent approval of the N75,000 minimum wage in September, teachers in Kebbi will start enjoying the new benchmark salary structure beginning from this month of October,” Zaki stated.
He added that Governor Idris had previously extended the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years and the years of service from 35 to 40 years, a reform he had advocated while serving as National President of the NUT.
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The NUT chairman called on teachers to reciprocate the government’s gesture through renewed dedication, commitment and professionalism.
He clarified that the minimum entry qualification for teaching in the state is the National Certificate in Education (NCE) or Diploma, although many teachers hold university degrees and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates, with career progression from Grade Level 07 toGrade Levels 15 and 16.
