Editor: It is quite unfortunate that primary school teachers in Kogi State are passing through a trying time due to non-payment of their salaries.
The state government introduced bio-metric capture to ascertain the number of teachers on its payroll, with promise of paying the salary after the exercise. A strike action called by the teachers’ union to demand for some allowances resulted in no-resumption of schools throughout the state, hence many children were not able to attend school for some time, only for private schools to have a field day, while the public school are under lock and key.
Another dimension has now been introduced instructing all teachers to purchase compututer laptops from the state government, which stalled the payment of almost two months salaries. Kogi State teachers are dedicated, hardworking and intelligent in impacting knowledge to the pupils under their care.
Kogi State government should ensure that teachers in the state are treated well like their counterparts in other states. Teachers worldwide are highly respected for their contribution to the training of future leaders in the society.
It is myopic to say that teachers’ reward is in heaven, they must enjoy the fruits of their labour while alive. Kogi teachers should not be subjected to further agony. The state government should redeem all pledges on their accumulated salaries and other emolument.
Bala Nayashi,
Lokoja.
