Teachers in Oyo State have expressed appreciation to the state government for its efforts in improving the education sector, particularly through prompt salary payments, teacher promotions, and other notable reforms.
Speaking at this year’s World Teachers’ Day celebration in Ibadan, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, Comrade Raji Oladimeji Ismail, applauded Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for initiatives such as the recruitment of new teachers, approval of career progression, promotion of primary school teachers to grade level 16, and the appointment of a teacher as Executive Chairperson of the Oyo State Post-Primary Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).
He commended the resolution of the six-year promotion delay for primary school teachers, attributing the success to consistent advocacy by the union. Raji also acknowledged the creation of 10 TESCOM zonal offices and the appointment of teachers as Permanent Secretaries and Tutor Generals in the new zones.
Highlighting improvements in welfare, the NUT chairman noted the upward review of car and housing loan schemes for teachers. However, he called for more government attention to challenges such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and the need for continuous professional development. He urged the government to address pending issues including inter-zonal transfers and the release of running grants to school heads for smooth school administration.
The Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, assured teachers that the 2023/2024 promotion letters for primary school educators would soon be released. He also announced the governor’s approval of long-pending inter-zonal transfer requests dating back to 2005, noting that the final list was being processed.
Dr. Adeniran reaffirmed SUBEB’s commitment to teacher welfare and collaboration with NUT, AOPSHON, and other education stakeholders. He urged the union to guide new teachers on public service rules and to resolve grievances through official administrative channels rather than social media.
Representing the NUT National President, Comrade Shaibu Olayinka Yisa praised Governor Makinde and other education stakeholders for their sustained commitment to improving the teaching profession. He also emphasized the relevance of this year’s theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” aimed at strengthening unity and resilience among educators.
The event, chaired by the Osi Olubadan-designate, HRM Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi, was attended by NLC Chairman Comrade Kayode Martins, the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Segun Abatan, and several other dignitaries.
