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Tag: Michael Olukoya

  • NUT urges FG to end strike in varsities

    NUT urges FG to end strike in varsities

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers ( NUT ) has pleaded with the Federal government to intervene in the on-going strike by non-teaching staff in universities nationwide.

    The National President of the union, Comrade Michael Olukoya, made the appeal in an interview with our reporter on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Labour unions, comprising Senior Staff Association of Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union and the National Association of Academic Technologists have been on strike since Dec. 4, 2017 over allowances.

    The unions, under the aegis of the Joint Actions Committee, are protesting none implementation of the 2009 agreement it entered into with the federal government.

    They are also protesting against the sharing of the N23 billion earned allowance released to the universities by the government.

    “I want to plead with the federal government and the striking university labour unions to come to a negotiating table and dialogue.

    “This is because, in all of this, the most hit at the end will be the Nigerian child and the country’s education system.

    “The federal government, being the employers of these people, must be sincere in every one of its dealings, especially when it concerns negotiations and agreements.

    “I want to see the federal government bring about a lasting solution to the crisis so that we can move forward,’’ the unionist said.

    According to him, the Ministers of Labour and that of Education should meet with the unions in the overall interest of the nation.

    He advised all parties involved “to exhibit undiluted patriotism in the interest of the Nigerian child.”

    NAN

  • NUT threatens strike over salary arrears, infrastructural decay

    NUT threatens strike over salary arrears, infrastructural decay

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over salary arrears owned its members by some state governors.

    The union also said it would embark on strike if situation of infrastructures in public schools failed to improve.

    NUT National President, Michael Olukoya, disclosed this at the solemn assembly organized by the union in Abuja.

    He said the union had already directed its state chairmen to take stock of states owing salaries and also monitor the level of infrastructural development in public schools.

    Olukoya said the union would take action after the state chairmen present their situation report.

    He said: “We shall embark on strike on two things and on two occasions. When we get result on salary if it is not encouraging we embark on strike. The next thing is the state of decay in our schools – non- functioning laboratories and non-existing libraries.  I think it is a mark of national responsibility to equally go on strike.

    “We want to get situation report from across the states. We have sent our states (chairmen) to go and talk on these two issues, report back and if what we get is not encouraging we will embark on strike.”

    He expressed displeasure over continued non-payment of salaries and allowances of primary and secondary school teachers in several states across the country.

    Olukoya gave the name of states owing salary arrears to include Abia, Bayelsa, Benue, Ekiti, Kwara, Ondo, Taraba, Delta, Kaduna, Osun, Nasarawa, Oyo and Kogi.

    “The leadership of the NUT wishes to again express our displeasure over continued non-payment of salaries and allowances of primary and secondary school teachers in several states across the country.

    “Despite our earlier call on all defaulting states to pay up the backlogs of salaries and allowances owed teachers to galvanize effective academic activities in our schools.

    “Our appeal to all these states is that they should pay or begin to see the wrath of the Nigerian teachers. We call on the affected state governments to clear the salary arrears and ensure regular payment of the salaries of teachers without further delay,” the NUT president added.

  • #TeachersDay: Teachers demand 65years retirement age

    #TeachersDay: Teachers demand 65years retirement age

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has demanded that the retirement of its members working in primary and secondary schools in the country be raised from 60 to 65 years.

    Mr Michael Olukoya, the National President of NUT made the call at the 2017 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Abuja on Thursday.

    The theme of this year’s day is: “Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers’’.

    Olukoya said that the retirement age for teachers in the Colleges of Education, Polytechnics and Universities was extended to 65 and 70 respectively.

    He said that doing the same with the primary and secondary schools would remove the segregation since they all belonged to the same teaching industry.

    “The more years a teacher spends on the job, the better he delivers his service to the learners given the benefit of the experiences gathered over the years and the wisdom of age.

    “The older the teacher, the more caring and tolerant he is to the students with improved dexterity in the pedagogy of teaching required over time.

    “It is for this and other similar reasons that the retirement age of lecturers and professors in the tertiary institution was extended to 65 and 70 years,’’ he said.

    The NUT president also called on the Federal Government to look into the plight of primary and secondary school teachers across the country arising from the non-payment of their salaries and allowances for several months.

    He said that as at the end of September, primary and secondary school teachers were owed between two and 11 months salaries in 17 states in the country.

    He decried that this was becoming worrisome.

    “Some state government has since adopted the inhuman act of paying monthly salaries infractions without any guarantee that the remaining part of the salaries will be paid to the teachers.

    “In the same vein, promotions are yet to be implemented for teachers for two to eight years in some states.

    “This situation has brought untold hardship to the affected teachers and has expectedly taken its toll on public education with its attendant effect on the underprivileged children’’.

    He called on state and local government to effect payment of the backlogs of salaries and other entitlement owed teachers without further delay.

    On the issue of the grade level of graduate teachers, Olukoya said that graduate teachers in the primary and secondary schools were meant to terminate on GL 14 and 16 respectively in some states of the federation.

    He said that this was an act of discrimination which was unacceptable while calling for justice, equity and fair play.

    He called on the relevant authority to extend the terminal grade level of graduate teachers of both primary and secondary schools to grade levels 17 as obtainable with other graduates of public servants.

    He, however, urged the Ministry of Education to facilitate the development of a comprehensive scheme of service for primary and secondary school teachers.

  • NUT writes Buhari, promises support for his administration

    NUT writes Buhari, promises support for his administration

    Teachers under the auspices of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Wednesday pledged their loyalty, solidarity and cooperation to the President-Elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and his incoming government.

    NUT, while congratulating Buhari over his victory in March 28 presidential election, appealed for drastic change and turn-around in the education sector when he assumes office.

    In a congratulatory letter sent to Buhari and jointly signed by NUT National President, Michael Olukoya and Secretary General, Ikpe Obong, and made available to The Nation, the teachers were particular about their remuneration, welfare and status.

    The letter reads: “The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and indeed the entire Teachers in Nigeria felicitate with you on your remarkable success in the March 28 presidential election.  On this we say, congratulations!

    “The NUT is particularly happy that you are coming on board to make a difference in the governance of our country Nigeria.  The fact that you continually profess to CHANGE the circumstances of Nigeria if given the opportunity gives us hope that Nigeria is on the verge of rapid development and signals the beginning of the journey of our country towards an enviable future as you have eventually been given the opportunity you so craved for.

    “Our dear President-elect, if there is any sector in Nigeria that needs a drastic change and turn-around, the education sector is the one, particularly the remuneration, welfare and status of Nigerian teachers.  You can therefore understand the excitement of the teachers over the emergence of a President of CHANGE and the enormous load and responsibility awaiting you to deliver.  You remain the last hope of the teachers, for if you as a person known for action coupled with your avowed resolve to ensure equity, justice and fairness to all Nigerians would fail to raise the status of teachers in Nigeria and that of the education industry of our country, then no one else will do it.

    “In that case Nigeria would continue to lag behind and wallow in abject poverty following the weak foundation bestowed on it consequent upon the neglect of our education industry.  Herein lies the great challenge of your Presidency and you must not fail.

    “Your abundant experiences as a former military Head of State, an apostle of War Against Indiscipline (WAI), Governor, Minister, member of the Federal Executive Council and Head of the PTF etc place you in a most advantageous pedestal to deliver on the mandate of the electorates of our nation.  These intimidating credentials of yours shall also constitute the reason you will be having sleepless nights and being under tremendous pressure to maintain your established standards and meet your expectations and those of Nigerians. Here again underscores why failure is not among your performance options.

     

  • LG autonomy: NUT threatens nationwide strike

    The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Teachers on Friday threatened to direct its members to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike if the proposed local government autonomy and scrapping of the state joint local government account sail through in the ongoing Constitutional Amendment.

    The National President of NUT, Michael Alogba Olukoya, who briefed journalists at the end of the NEC meeting held at the NUT headquarters, Abuja, insisted that granting of LG autonomy would lead to total collapse of primary education in Nigeria.

    He urged governors of the 36 states of the federation and members of State Houses of Assembly to stoutly resist the draconian recommendation of the National Assembly in the recent proposal, seeking the scrapping of the State Joint LG Accounts as contained in the Bill for an Act to further alter the provision of the 1999 Constitution.

    Olukoya said the implication of the LG autonomy was that payment of teachers’ salaries, pension contributory funds and payment of retirees would be left in the hands of the local councils.

    According to him, the development would be a great setback to efforts by the Federal and state Governments to revamp primary education in the country.

    He said, “The moment the Constitutional Amendment process is concluded against the wishes of the Nigerian teachers, we shall direct all schools in Nigeria to remain closed. The mother of all strikes shall commence, because we have a responsibility to protect and defend our members.”

    The NUT president said it was unfortunate that the children of the poor who are the majority voters have been denied access to quality education while the children of public officials who formulate various policies leading to the decay being experienced today are sent overseas.

    He said the sad memory of the near-total-collapse of primary education between 1990 and 1994, when it came under the control of the LGs, was still very fresh.

     

  • Teachers dare Fed Govt, vow to shun schools

    Teachers dare Fed Govt, vow to shun schools

    The Federal Government came under fire yesterday as the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) directed its members to boycott classrooms on Monday, September 22.

    This teachers’ position was contrary to the government’s order for primary and secondary schools to reopen on that date.

    NUT said teachers would resume work on the September 22, if federal and state governments provide all necessary preventive equipment in schools.

    President of the association, Michael Olukoya, gave the directive in Abuja, at a briefing with journalists after NUT’s National Executive Council (NEC), meeting.

    He directed that except each state government provides training for teachers on handling of Ebola, make available infrared thermometer for the schools, including other facilities such as tap water, hand sanitiser, among others, teachers in such a state should not resume.

    The NUT President said teachers were not opposed to the date given by the Federal Government for the resumption, but that its members should not report in any of the schools, except the conditions are met.

    His words: “The NUT is strongly of the opinion that it is better to delay the resumption of schools till October 13, 2014, even when the scourge would have been off months ago than to rush and open schools only to be faced with attacks of the EVD in the schools.

    “It makes more sense to be doubly sure than to operate on shaky grounds of uncertainty and probability, as it will be a catastrophe of unimaginable dimension, if by any act of omission, we rush and open schools and end up with even one primary or secondary schools being infected by the virus.

    “But, where the Federal Government insists on the September 22 date in spite of the wise counsel, the union will rather direct teachers to resume schools whenever they are sufficiently trained and their schools have been provided with the necessary preventive and protective gadgets.”

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the teachers have this day resolved to resume classes in obedience to the Federal Government directive in states where teachers have been trained to handle any outbreak and all the required preventive and protective gadgets such as hand gloves, sanitisers, infrared thermometers, running water and soaps have been provided as directed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “In states where the training has not been done and the necessary safeguarding gadgets not provided, teachers shall continue to remain at home until their state governments respond positively or the union directs them to the contrary,” Olukoya added.

  • Ebola: NUT dares FG, vow to shun schools Monday

    Ebola: NUT dares FG, vow to shun schools Monday

    The Federal Government came under fire on Tuesday when the Nigerian Union of Teachers directed its members to boycott classrooms on September 22.

    The directive follows Federal Government’s order for primary and secondary schools in the country to reopen next Monday.

    NUT said teachers will resume work on the September 22 if federal and state governments provide all necessary preventive equipment in schools.

    The President of the NUT, Michael Olukoya, gave the directive in Abuja, at a briefing with journalists after the body’s National Executive Council meeting.

    Olukoya directed that except state governments in the country provide training for teachers on handling of Ebola, make available infrared thermometer for the schools, including other facilities such as tap water and hand sanitizer, among others, teachers should not resume.

    He, however, said the NUT was not against the date given by the federal government for schools’ resumption, but that its members should not report in any of the schools except the conditions are met.

    He said, “The NUT is strongly of the opinion that it is better to delay the resumption of schools till October 13 even when the scourge would have been off months ago than to rush and open schools only to be faced with attacks of Ebola in the schools. It makes more sense to be doubly sure than to operate on shaky grounds of uncertainty and probability, as it will be a catastrophe of unimaginable dimension, if by any act of omission, we rush and open schools and end up with even one primary or secondary schools being infected by the virus.

    “But, where the government insists on the September 22 date in spite of the wise counsel, the union will rather direct teachers to resume schools whenever they are sufficiently trained and their schools have been provided with the necessary preventive and protective gadgets. For the avoidance of doubt, the teachers have this day resolved to resume classes in obedience to the federal government’s directive in states where teachers have been trained to handle any outbreak and all the required preventive and protective gadgets such as hand gloves, sanitizers, infra-red thermometers, running water and soaps have been provided as directed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

  • NUT flaws Edo competency test

    NUT flaws Edo competency test

    •Says it is futile

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) yesterday rejected the move by the Edo State government to conduct competency tests for teachers.

    It said teaching is a service industry and not a product industry where products pass through quality control mills to qualify for the market.

    The union, which spoke through its National President, Michael Olukoya, in Lagos, said the best way to discover quacks is not by aptitude test, but by ensuring that inspectors wake up to their duties.

    It alleged that the competency test is alien and illegal and is a plot to downsize teachers, adding that it will resist the move.

    “We are test administrators and Nigerians are who they are because they are products of teachers’ tests. The exercise is futile and cannot be condoned. We are ready to submit our teachers to professional competency testing by a legally constituted body, which is the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria and not to political licensing.

    “Edo government has to recall the 926 sacked teachers on account of their age declaration. Such sack defeats the law of equity and justice, “Olukoya said.

    The union called on governments to purchase Group Life Insurance cover for teachers in the country.

    It said it will close down schools in vulnerable areas, if government fails to heed the call.

    NUT pleaded with the Benue State government to pay its teachers the minimum wage, to end the five-month strike.