2024 WTD: NUT commends Kefas for advancing education in Taraba
OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS, JALINGO
The Taraba State wing of the Nigeria Union of the Teachers (NUT) has commended the state Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas for advancing the educational sector of the State.
State chairman NUT, comrade Nathan Solomon made the commendation while speaking on the occasion of the 2024 edition of the World Teachers’ Day (WTD) held weekend at the union’s Secretariat in Jalingo.
Comrade Solomon said the Governor’s free education policy at both primary and secondary school levels have opened doors of opportunities for thousands of children who according to him might have otherwise been denied the chance to learn and grow.
Comrade Nathan Solomon, Taraba State NUT Chairman
He added that the governor’s initiative is already showing positive results in increasing school enrollment and reducing the financial burden on parents.
According to him, Kefas’ decision to reduce tuition fees by 50% has significantly increased the financial pressures faced by families at higher levels of education. He further disclosed that the gesture was not just a relief to parents but a clear indication of the government’s commitment to making education accessible to all, irrespective of social or economic status.
The State NUT boss however, pleaded with Governor Agbu Kefas to pay the four months’ outstanding salaries inherited from the administration of Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku saying such would encourage teachers to put in their best despite the challenges they face in the course of their duties.
The 2024 World Teachers’ Day with the theme, “Valuing Teachers voices towards a new social contract for Education”, comrade Solomon said the year’s celebration emphasized on the pivotal roles that Teachers play in shaping the future of education and the urgent need to incorporate their perspectives into educational policy and decision making processes.
He added that the gathering was not just to celebrate the profession, but also to reflect on teachers’ roles as the bedrock of the society, shaping future generations and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
Speaking on the achievements and/or roles of the NUT in promoting teachers’ welfare and protecting their rights, the State chairman disclosed, “over the year, we have continued to engage with the State Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that our teachers are not just respected but are provided with the tools and environment they need to succeed in their noble tasks”,
“We have worked hand-in-hand with the government to ensure the payment of salaries, the provision of necessary teaching materials and the improvement of working conditions”,
“The NUT remains resolute in advocating for the rights of teachers including fair wages, professional development opportunities, and a safe working environment”, he said.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen shortly, the State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin congratulated the state teachers on the 2024 edition of their World Teachers’ Day.
Dr Augustina Godwin, Commissioner for Education, Taraba State
Dr. Godwin who described teachers as great people in the society said they make great impacts on the lives of the citizenry.
She told Reporters that since Kefas assumed office as Governor Teachers’ welfare has been part of his priorities hence the need for consistency in the payment of their salaries.
His Excellency, Dr. Godwin stressed that for the fist time in his office, implemented minimum wage including teachers.
“Since the beginning of His Excellency’s administration, the salaries of Teachers have been flowing regularly”,
“The state government is working tirelessly to make sure that Teachers’ welfare is enhanced and we have to create a lot of incentives to cover the areas of their welfare”, she added.
