World Teachers’ Day: Oyo NUT hails Makinde for prioritising teachers’ welfare

Teachers in Oyo State have commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his consistent support to the education sector, particularly for the prompt payment of salaries, recruitment of new teachers, and the steady advancement of teachers’ careers across the state.

Speaking at this year’s World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Ibadan, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, Comrade Raji Oladimeji Ismail, lauded the governor for what he described as a historic commitment to teachers’ welfare and motivation.

According to him, the governor’s magnanimity has translated into tangible achievements, including the promotion of primary school teachers to Grade Level 16, the appointment of a teacher as Executive Chairperson of the Oyo State Post-Primary Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and the creation of ten TESCOM zonal offices with teachers appointed as Permanent Secretaries/Tutor-Generals to head them.

Comrade Raji further applauded the government for clearing the six-year backlog in teachers’ promotions, describing it as a long-standing administrative hurdle that the NUT’s persistent advocacy helped to remove.

He also noted that the union, under his leadership, has strengthened welfare initiatives for members, with the state government reviewing upwards both car and housing loan schemes for teachers.

While commending these strides, the NUT Chairman appealed for continued improvement in the education sector. “Teachers in the state still face challenges such as inadequate funding of education, infrastructural deficits, and the need for continuous capacity development,” he stated.

He further urged the government to expedite action on long-standing requests such as inter-zonal transfers and the timely release of running grants to school heads to ensure the smooth administration of schools.

In his address, the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, announced that the 2023/2024 promotion letters for primary school teachers have been approved by the Civil Service Commission and would soon be released.

Dr. Adeniran also disclosed that Governor Makinde had approved the inter-zonal transfer of teachers recruited in 2005, with the Board currently compiling the necessary lists for implementation.

He added that OYOSUBEB continues to work closely with NUT, the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), and other education stakeholders to secure teachers’ welfare and professional stability.

Dr. Adeniran revealed that the Governor has also approved the integration of teachers on secondment into the TESCOM employment grid, a move aimed at harmonising employment structures across the teaching cadre.

However, he urged NUT to enlighten especially newly recruited teachers on public service regulations, advising them to follow official grievance procedures rather than resorting to social media.

<span;>> “If you have grievances or enquiries, there are proper channels through which you can make your complaints — not through the public space,” he cautioned.

Representing the National President of NUT, Comrade Audi Titus Amba, at the event, Comrade Shaibu Olayinka Yisa praised Governor Makinde for his outstanding contributions to the teaching profession in Oyo State. He also commended Comrade Raji, Dr. Adeniran, and other stakeholders for their collaborative spirit and commitment to educational growth.

Comrade Amba, through his representative, noted that the theme of this year’s celebration — “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession” — emphasises the importance of partnership and resilience in sustaining educational excellence.

The ceremony, chaired by the Osi Olubadan-designate, HRM Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, was graced by several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Oyo State, Comrade Kayode Martins, and the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Segun Abatan, among others.