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Tag: NUT

  • Fed govt honours 12 teachers with N350m

    Fed govt honours 12 teachers with N350m

    …First Lady hails teachers’ sacrifice, urges excellence, innovation

    The Federal Government has awarded 12 outstanding teachers across the six geopolitical zones with N350,000,000 in recognition of their dedication, innovation, and impact on Nigeria’s education sector.

    The awards were presented on Tuesday by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, at the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026 in Abuja, with the theme: “Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability.”

    During the summit, Alausa stated that the government would sustain reforms aimed at empowering teachers and restoring dignity to the profession.

    Giving a breakdown, the minister said the 12 best-performing teachers were selected from both basic and senior secondary education levels across the six geopolitical zones.

    Alausa explained that the selection process was transparent and merit-based, with three teachers nominated from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory at both the basic and senior secondary school levels.

    He said that each of the selected teachers would receive N25,000,000, while the overall best-performing teacher nationwide would receive N50,000,000.

    The minister described the awardees as exemplifying professionalism, integrity, innovation, and dedication to learners, noting that they represent the best of the teaching profession in the country.

    “This is more than a reward. It is a national signal that teaching is a noble, respected, and valued profession in Nigeria,” he said.

    The minister said the recognition of the teachers reflected the government’s broader education reform agenda under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Alausa said, “Teachers are the foundation of education, and education is the foundation of national development. No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers.

    “No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported, and respected.”

    He pledged that the government would continue to invest in teachers through structured training, improved career pathways, and fair rewards, noting that education remained central to national development.

    Beyond the Federal Government’s awards, the Governor of Kebbi State also promised N5 million each to all the awardees, amongst other gifts from others.

    The summit was designed to strengthen the teaching profession and advance sustainable education reforms, while fostering dialogue that will shape national education policy and inform future reform initiatives.

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, paid glowing tribute to teachers across the country, describing them as the quiet architects of nation-building.

    She urged them to pursue excellence, embrace innovation and uphold integrity in shaping future generations.

    The First Lady commended the Federal Ministry of Education for convening the summit, noting that its theme was timely and strategic in addressing longstanding challenges within Nigeria’s education sector.

    “I am delighted to join you today at this National Teachers’ Summit, a gathering of teachers and education professionals whose dedication, sacrifice and commitment lay the foundation for our nation’s future,” she said.

    According to her, meaningful education and national progress can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated and supported.

    Drawing from her background as an educationist and former classroom teacher, the First Lady said she understood first-hand the demands of the profession and the lasting impact teachers have on society.

    “Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations. They shape young minds, instill values and nurture hope. Sustainable development begins with quality teaching and learning,” she stated.

    Senator Tinubu reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to education under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that education remains a central pillar of national development.

    She said the federal government was committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the acquisition of skills required to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.

    She particularly lauded the launch of the EduRevamp Portal by the Federal Ministry of Education, describing it as a landmark initiative that would strengthen continuous professional development for teachers nationwide.

    Also speaking, Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, emphasised that empowering teachers is central to national education reform.

    The minister encouraged participants to engage actively and ensure that deliberations translate into tangible actions for a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready education system.

    She said, “No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, and empowerment of its teacher. Empowering teachers is not an isolated intervention; it is the foundation upon which sustainable education reform is built.”

    On his part, the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Titus Amba, commended the federal government for organising the summit.

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    He emphasised the importance of recognising and professionalising teachers as key pillars in education, noting that effective education depends on motivated, supported, and professional teachers.

    The NUT president also commended government funding for teacher development programs and encouraged sustained support to transform the education system.

    “Education transmission can only be achieved if teachers are professionalised, friendly, motivated, and supported to guide the learning process.

    “The teacher is always the teacher. We are proud to be here with our mother teachers of Nigeria. We commend the federal government for funding programmes that promote the professionalism of teachers in Nigeria,” he added.

    The event also witnessed the launch of Edurevamp Online teacher professional development portal designed specifically for the continuous professional development of teachers.

  • NUT demands immediate action to end attacks on schools

    NUT demands immediate action to end attacks on schools

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called for an immediate and decisive action to end the rising wave of attacks on schools across the country.

    The NUT National President, Audu Amba, who made the call at a news conference in Abuja, condemned the recent attacks in Kebbi and Niger States, describing them as “barbaric, unacceptable and a direct assault on the foundation of Nigeria’s education system.”

    He expressed outrage over the killing of a Vice Principal and a security guard, and the abduction of 25 female students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga in Danko-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State.

    He also condemned the kidnapping of over 300 pupils and students, along with 12 staff members, from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State.

    “The NUT stands with the families of the abducted children, our colleague, the Vice Principal who was gruesomely murdered, and other victims of these dastardly attacks.

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    “We share in their grief, anguish and unimaginable pains, and we demand the immediate release of the innocent children. Every moment they remain in captivity is a scar on our collective conscience.

    “We also stand in solidarity with the government and people of the affected States during this trying time.

    “We call on all relevant authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of this brutal and conscienceless crime are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.

    Amba lamented that the latest incidents followed a disturbing pattern of mass abductions that have plagued Nigerian schools for over a decade, recalling the abduction of 276 Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State in 2014.

    He added that 110 Dapchi girls, including Leah Sharibu in 2018, 39 students of Federal College of Forestry, Kaduna in 2021 and 200 students of Government Secondary School, Jangebe in 2021 were also abducted.

    He added that students and 44 staff of Zamfara College of Agriculture in 2021,121 Bethel Baptist High School students in Kaduna in 2021, and 287 students in Kuriga, Kaduna State in 2024 were also abducted.

    According to him, these tragedies represent “a horrifying failure” to implement the Safe Schools Declaration and other security frameworks designed to protect educational institutions.

    He warned that the increasing attacks had forced the closure of some schools, a development it described as “mortgaging the future of Nigerian children.”

    “The classroom is supposed to be a sanctuary for nurturing young minds. Destroying learning environments with violence spells doom not only for our children but for the nation.

    “We also urge security agencies to leave no stone unturned in strengthening security not only around all schools, but also in all the nooks and crannies of the country.

    “This is to ensure that all Nigerians and residents are protected from the inhuman and barbaric activities of terrorists and bandits in the country,” he said.

  • Kidnappings: NUT wants security strengthened around vulnerable schools

    Kidnappings: NUT wants security strengthened around vulnerable schools

    • …May declare sit-at-home for teachers if insecurity persists in schools 

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called for strengthened security measures around schools, particularly those in vulnerable areas, to prevent abduction of learners and teachers. 

    The union also appealed for the safe return of abducted students and members of staff across the country. 

    It urged the government to close down schools if it doesn’t have the capacity to protect them.

    The National President of NUT, Comr. Audu Titus Amba, made the appeal at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja in light of kidnappings of students in Kebbi and Niger states. 

    “Today students are being pulled from schools because of insecurity and this has affected learners. The government should find the means of protecting our schools, the system and our teachers.

    “We call on both Federal and State Governments to ensure that no effort Is spared in securing the safe rescue of the abducted students and members of staff, and to strengthen security measures around schools, particularly those in vulnerable areas, to prevent reoccurrence of such tragic incidents.

    “We also urge security agencies to leave no stone unturned in strengthening security not only around all schools, but also in all the nooks and crannies of the country to ensure that all Nigerians and residents are protected from the inhuman and barbaric activities of terrorists and bandits in the country.”

    The NUT president said the union will not hesitate to pull teachers out of schools to protest the level of insecurity in the country, particularly on learning facilities. 

    Amba said the organs of the NUT will meet to take a position on attacks on schools and facilities. 

    According to him, the NUT will not subject teachers to brutal killings.

    He said, “The NUT stands with the families of the abducted children, our colleague, the Vice Principal who was gruesomely murdered, and other victims of these dastardly attacks. We share in their grief, anguish and unimaginable pains, and we demand the immediate release of the innocent children. Every moment they remain in captivity is a scar on our collective conscience. 

    “We also stand in solidarity with the government and people of the affected states during this trying time, even as we call on all relevant authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of this brutal and conscienceless crime are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice

    “The recent attacks on our schools is a tragic reminder that teachers and the learners under their care have become an endangered species increasingly subjected to horrific and traumatic attacks and kidnappings which sometimes lead to their untimely death. 

    “We wish to state unequivocally that if this ugly trend of inhuman and deadly attacks on schools, teachers and learners persist, the NUT will be left with no other option than to call out all teachers to down tools and sit at home until their security and safety at all schools are guaranteed.”

  • FCT primary teachers call off strike following Wike’s intervention

    FCT primary teachers call off strike following Wike’s intervention

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), may soon call off the three-month primary school teachers’ strike, following the intervention of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

    Chief of Staff to the minister, Mr Chidi Amadi disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, after a closed-door meeting with the area council chairmen, leadership of the NUT, and representatives of the FCT Administration.

    Other participants at the meeting, he said, included representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANs) and the National Assembly.

    Amadi explained that the meeting was convened by the minister, in addition to previous interventions to find a lasting solution to the prolonged teachers’ strike.

    According to him, after extensive deliberation, a decision was reached to put the issues to rest.

    He announced that part of the resolution was to withhold the 10 per cent accrued Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the area councils for the past six months.

    He explained that the funds would be used to settle 70 per cent of the minimum wage owed the teachers.

    “Although it will not cover 100 per cent of the debt for now, it will cover about 70 per cent. This is a laudable move towards addressing the fracas once and for all.

    The chief of staff added that the minister had also directed that a Special Committee be constituted, composed of three members of NUT, two members from FCTA, one of the area council chairmen and representative of NANs.

    He added that the committee would revisit all the other outstanding issues and within the next two weeks, submit a report detailing how the other outstanding issues would be permanently addressed.

    “In addition to addressing the issues of the primary school teachers, Wike had taken a decision to address all outstanding issues of the local government employees.  

    “The minister pledged to personally intervene to ensure that their demands are addressed by the FCTA.

    “This is to ensure that the area councils resume full operations effectively immediately.

    Speaking on behalf of the area council chairmen, Mr Abubakar Abdullahi, acknowledged the resolution, saying “although it was not in favour of the area councils, it was necessary to resolve the issues.

    “Six months of our IGR had been held to settle this issue. Ours at this point is to appeal to NUT to consider our children and call off the strike.

    “Please NUT, we are calling on you to respect the fact that the minister has taken his time to resolve this matter.

    “Wike had clearly stated that by law, he has no right to take the 10 per cent IGR of the area councils to clear the outstanding debt of the teachers.

    “However, the chairmen have all agreed because they also, collectively, want an end to the strike and so we have agreed that the 10 per cent IGR should go to the teachers”.

    He expressed optimism that the strike would be called off before Friday, so that children would go back to school.

    Also, the National President of NANs, Olushola Oladoja, lauded the resolutions and expressed hope that the outcome would finally put the matter to rest and the teachers return to class.

    Oladoja commended the minister for taking the bold step, stressing that any of the council chairmen could take him to court over such a decision.

    “However, I believe because the council chairmen also want the issue resolved, they have no option but to concede the IGR for six months,” he said.

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    On his part, the NUT Chairman, Mohammed Shafa, acknowledged the deliberation, but said he would get back to the NUT State Executive Council, where the final decision would be taken.

    The news Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the teachers had embarked on the strike in March over non-implementation of minimum wage

    Other issues included non-implementation and payment of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase, and non-implementation and payment of 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

    The union were also demanding the payment of the N35,000 wage award and the implementation of the template on outstanding entitlements of teachers as agreed in 2022.

    (NAN)

  • NUT declares indefinite strike in seven Ebonyi LGAs over unpaid salaries

    NUT declares indefinite strike in seven Ebonyi LGAs over unpaid salaries

    The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ebonyi state has declared an indefinite strike in seven local government areas in the state.

    The strike action, the union said, is due to non payment of at least three months salaries to some teachers in the affected local government area.

    A statement by the union’s secretary, Bassey Asuquo listed the affected local government areas as Ebonyi, Edda, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ivo, Ishielu and Ohaukwu.

    The statement reads: “Sequel to our earlier notice on mobilization for industrial strike action, we have thoroughly reviewed the compliance of local government chairmen regarding the clearance of our members’ salaries. 

    “As of the close of work today, February 5, 2025, we acknowledge that certain local government areas have cleared the salaries of our members. 

    “However, we regret to inform you that several local government chairmen have failed to clear the backlog of our members’ outstanding salaries. 

    “In response to this non-compliance, we hereby declare indefinite strike action in the following Local Government Areas: Edda, Ebonyi, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ishielu, Ivo and Ohaukwu.

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    “All our state and branch officers in the affected local government areas are instructed to adhere strictly to this directive and ensure the immediate enforcement of the strike action from 12:00am on Thursday 6th of February, 2025.

    “This includes organizing and maintaining solidarity picket lines and monitoring the Compliance of the strike action across the affected localities”, the statement said. 

    The Union noted that failure of the local government chairmen to meet their obligations to its members is unacceptable and vowed not relent until its demands are met. 

    “We call on all members to remain steadfast and continue their support for the strike action.”

  • NUT: Teachers’ salaries better paid by states

    NUT: Teachers’ salaries better paid by states

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the bold step taken to ensure Local Government financial autonomy.

    The union, however, said funding of basic education, including teachers’ salary, should be handled by state governments, financial autonomy of the councils, notwithstanding.

    NUT National President Comrade Audu Amba stated the union’s position after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja yesterday.

    According to him, the NEC resolved that salaries and allowances of Basic Education teachers and other support staff members, should be deducted as first-line charge from the Consolidated Revenue.

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    He said: “After the deduction from the consolidated revenue, the fund should be paid directly to the State Universal Basic Education Boards nationwide, for onward disbursement to beneficiaries

    “Under no circumstance should basic education be left entirely in the hands of local government councils. The levels and ratio of participation of the three tiers of government in the funding of basic education should be expressly provided through Constitutional amendments.

    “Our call that basic education be shielded from unwarranted neglect and abuse is necessitated in the light of its importance as the bedrock of our national orientation and development.”

  • NUT to Fed Govt: Reverse decision to stop funding TRCN

    NUT to Fed Govt: Reverse decision to stop funding TRCN

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers has called on the federal government to reverse its decision to stop funding the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

    The National President of NUT, Audu Amba appealed the Public Presentation of the Professional Standards for School Leadership in Abuja on Thursday, June 27.

    The NUT boss said the decision to stop funding the council was inimical, noting that the council was critical to the development of the teaching profession in the country.

    Amba said: “TRCN is the regulatory body that professionalises everybody that teaches in primary, secondary, and universities. We woke up overnight that the federal government decided to say that they have stopped funding the TRCN.

    “I have never seen anywhere in the world that a regulatory body that is supposed to regulate the teaching profession is not funded. Do we mean business when doing this?

    He added that the country paid much attention to other aspects while giving lip service to the teaching profession; the real implementer of other sectors.

    He said: “Are we saying that teachers are inconsequential? We will not allow it to go as leaders of teachers. We will agitate and make sure the government funds TRCN because we have gone a long way as the leading country in Africa, so we can’t be seen retracting back.”

    The Registrar/Chief Executive of TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye said the review of the Professional Standards for School Leadership was undertaken to reflect the evolving instructional roles of school leaders.

    Ajiboye said it was also to provide a comprehensive guiding framework that addresses the contemporary challenges and opportunities within the education system.

    According to him, while the existing professional standards emphasise the administrative responsibilities of school leaders, there was a recognised need to establish comprehensive standards that address their crucial role in instructional leadership.

    He said: “This charged them with the responsibility to provide professional learning for teachers and are considered as the most effective type of leadership practice for improving student learning outcomes.

    “The document is setting the stage for a transformative impact on the educational landscape of Nigeria.

    “The standards outlined herein are intended to promote a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and accountability among school leaders.

    Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman said the government was committed to implementing teachers’ schemes as a way of improving the quality of education in the country.

    Mamman acknowledged the roles of teachers in developing the value system at the heart of learners, hence the need to support their crucial roles.

    He pledged the commitment of the federal government to provide necessary resources, training, and support to help them succeed in their profession.

    The minister maintained that the professional standards would serve as a comprehensive framework designed to support and enhance the effectiveness of school leadership.

    He said the standards were not merely guidelines, but a vision of what exemplary leadership should be by providing a clear pathway for professional growth and institutional success.

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    Mamman said: “To our school leaders, we want to say this, our work is at the heart of our educational mission. You have the power to inspire, to innovate, and to make a lasting difference in the lives of countless students.

    “These standards are here to guide, support, and challenge you to reach new heights. Embrace them with the passion and dedication that defines your leadership.

    “Let us all commit to upholding these standards, not as a set of rules, but as a shared vision of excellence.

    “Together, we can build an education system that not only meets the needs of today but anticipates and prepares for the challenges of tomorrow.”

  • NUT seeks recruitment of teachers in Lagos

    NUT seeks recruitment of teachers in Lagos

    Nigeria Union of Teacher (NUT), Lagos State chapter, has called for massive recruitment of teachers in the state.

    The Secretary, Gbenga Ayetoba, made this known during a Fitness Walk by teachers to mark this year’s World Teachers Day.

    He lamented the shortage of teachers and called for government’s intervention.

    Said he: “We want to appreciate God for the privilege of witnessing another global event, declared by UNESCO, to celebrate teachers and teaching profession worldwide.

    “In Lagos State, it’s a week-long programme, which we are starting with fitness walk.

    “There is need to create awareness to the whole world on the dearth of teachers in our schools. The rate at which teachers are retiring is not the same rate they’re being recruited. Lagos State Government has been doing a lot to make sure education gets the deserved attention, but it is not enough.”

    “There was massive recruitment of teachers in the past. Those who were recruited massively years ago are retiring massively today. Our classrooms are almost empty. We need more teachers in primary and secondary schools in Lagos State.”

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    The Publicity Secretary, Abiodun Hassan, highlighted other activities lined up for the World Teachers Day to include: cooking competition, indoor games and the grand finale, the celebration of Teachers’ Day, on October 5.

    Deputy Chairman Adewale Badejo urged the government to be “considerate in providing the necessary things needed for the welfare of teachers.

    Treasurer Ayansola Olagoke noted that the fitness walk was embarked on to create awareness of the celebration.

    Vice Chairman Akinmayowa Mubo said: “We started with fitness walk from Agidingbi Primary School to NUT Pavilion. Exercise is part of what we are talking about. It’s our way of expressing gratitude for God’s protection and good health.”

  • NUT seeks extension of resumption date

    NUT seeks extension of resumption date

    By Victoria Adewunmi-Oni

    The National Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos Wing, has urged the Ministry of Basic Education to extend resumption date for public primary and secondary school teachers from September 4, to September 18.

    The union claimed that their teachers are depleted owing to the supervision of National Examination Council (NECO), auditing and other school activities.

    In a statement from  the union, it also emphasised that the change in date of resumption is to enable better productivity, adding that resumption of public schools has always been in the third week of September.

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    It read: “The leadership of Nigeria Union of Teachers, Lagos State Wing, writes to request for the review of resumption date for public primary and secondary schools in Lagos State from Monday  September 4, 2023 to Monday, September 18, 2023.

    At present, majority of our teachers are already depleted due to the supervision of National Examination Council (NECO), auditing and other various school activities even in the primary schools.

    “The extension will enable the teachers to be well-refreshed for resumption and to ensure better productivity, effectiveness and efficiency in their duties. The union is aware of the calendar year but the new development in this instance has made the extension necessary.

    “Resumption of public schools in Lagos State has always been in the third week of September and this year should not be an exemption.”

  • NUT hails Kwara Gov for picking two teachers as commissioners

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has praised the Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for selecting two classroom teachers as commissioner nominees.

    The teachers, who are both women, are Deborah Bosede Aremu of ECWA Secondary School, Omu-Aran (Irepodun local government area) and Mrs. Ahmad Bisola of Sheikh Abdulsalam Junior Secondary School, Ilorin (Ilorin West local government area.)

    The union described the governor’s action as unprecedented in the history of the state, adding that the highest a teacher had ever attained was that of a permanent secretary.

    Speaking on the development, the Kwara State NUT Chair Comrade Saliu Toyin said: “The governor has done a thing that has never happened in the history of the state – picking serving teachers for the time to be commissioner nominee.  The highest that happened in the past was principal being made permanent secretary.

    “For the governor to have nominated teachers for commissionership shows that he recognises the worth of teachers, because we taught all of them. So if a governor should come and recognises us it is a good thing.

    The NUT also urged the government to accord teachers in the state’s Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) equal treatment with their counterparts in the civil service.

    He lamented that that promotion arrears of both SUBEB and TESCOM teachers between 2015 and 2017 was about N37.3 million.

    He said: “However, as good as it is, for this set of teachers to perform wonderfully well, the governor should try as a matter of urgency, to raise the welfare of teachers to level of other civil servants in the state.  The teachers under the state government- Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) – have been owed about five months’ promotion.  No other civil servant is badly treated.

    “Also teachers under Kwara SUBEB are drawing their salaries from the local government account. Their own promotion too is at par with local government employees.

    “What we are saying in essence is that before the minimum wage comes in Governor Abdulrazaq should try to allow teachers to be on the same level with other core civil servants. So picking teachers is a welcome development and we promise that we are not going to let the government down.  We hope our especially the teachers among them will perform. We have done it before and we are going to do it this time around.”