The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has raised concerns regarding the delay in accommodating the teachers’ professional salary structure in the country’s budget and has called for its prompt implementation.
Speaking at the union’s 6th Annual Solemn Assembly held on Monday in Abuja, the National President of NUT, Comrade Audu Amba, emphasized that the salary structure, which should have been implemented since 2023, is yet to be realized.
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The delay comes despite former President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of a special salary scale for teachers in Nigeria on October 5, 2020, in commemoration of World Teachers Day. Alongside the special salary scale, Buhari also sanctioned an extension of the number of years of service and retirement age for teachers, from 35 to 40 and from 60 to 65, respectively.
The approved measures included the introduction of a Special Salary Scale for Teachers in Basic and Secondary Schools, along with provisions for rural posting allowance, science teachers allowance, and peculiar allowance. Additionally, promises were made to construct low-cost housing for teachers in rural areas and to sponsor at least one refresher training per annum to benchmark best practices for improved teaching and learning.
However, Amba expressed regret that these approvals have not been implemented, particularly the professional salary structure for teachers. He urged the present administration to ensure the implementation of these policies for the development of the nation’s educational sector.
