By Osita Biose
I appreciate the thoughtful response from a concerned teacher, which has given me the opportunity to clarify and re-emphasise the critical issue of teachers’ welfare, particularly those holding Nigeria Certificate In Education (NCE) who have furthered their education to obtain university degrees.
The crux of the matter is the discriminatory treatment of primary school teachers who have acquired university degrees through sandwich or in-service programs.
While their counterparts in secondary schools have benefited from the lateral transfer proposal approved by former Governor Olorogun Chief James Onanefe Ibori.,primary school University graduate teachers have been stagnated on salary grade level 14.
This is despite the fact that both primary and secondary school teachers undergo the same rigorous process to obtain their university degrees.
It is unfair and unjust to recognise and reward secondary school teachers for their further education, while denying primary school teachers the same opportunity.
This disparity in treatment is not only demotivating but also demoralising for primary school teachers who have invested time, energy, and resources to upgrade their qualifications.
NCE holders in both primary and secondary schools undergo further education to obtain university degrees. Secondary school teachers who acquire university degrees are elevated to officer cadre ,up to salary grade level 1,7when due, while primary school teachers who acquire university degrees are stagnated on Assistant cadre, salary grade level 14.
Former Governor, Olorogun (Chief) James Onanefe Ibori approved a lateral transfer proposal for NCE teachers who further obtained degrees through sandwich or in-service programs, but only secondary school teachers benefited.
I urge the government to revisit this policy and ensure that all teachers, regardless of the level they teach, are treated equally and fairly like Edo,Anambra our neighbouting sister states and many others as evidenced in released official circulars.
It is imperative that the instrument be changed in good time and in good faith , to reflect the value and importance of primary school teachers.
Implementing the Unified Teachers consolidated Salary Structure (UTSS) will ensure a uniform and fair salary structure for all teachers. Also,providing payslips to all teachers regardless of level ,will promote transparency and accountability in the payment of teachers’ salaries.
Reviewing and revising the lateral transfer proposal to include primary school teachers who have acquired university degrees through sandwich or in-service programs is also crucial.
The welfare of our teachers is a critical issue that requires urgent attention and action.
While we hope that our collective voices will bring about the necessary changes to improve the welfare of our dedicated teachers, who are the backbone of our education system,it is time for the government to show empathy and understanding towards our teachers and address the injustice.