TheCable

Teachers in public primary and junior secondary schools in Kogi state will not resume for the 2014/1015 academic session on September 29 as directed by the state government, but this decision is not based on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) fears.

On September 17, the state commissioner for education, Dr Magret Okhai, directed all schools in the state to resume normal academic activities on Monday, Septemer 29.

But the teachers, under the aegis of Basic Education Staff Association of Nigeria (BESAN), said in a statement in Lokoja on Sunday that they would not resume duty until they are paid the N18,000 national minimum wage.

State chairman of the association, Mr Suleiman Adomu, who signed the statement, said the issue of promotions and incremental steps without cash backing should be addressed by the state government without further delay.

The association also demanded a stop to irregular payment of salaries to its members In addition to the full payment of the arrears of leave allowance being owed teachers from 2011 to date.

They claimed that their grievances preceded the scourge of Ebola.

They maintained that the devastating effects of infrastructural decay and the unresolved issues of welfare of teachers had rubbished the basic education sector in the state.

According to BESAN, which ordered its members out of classes back in April, schools will not resume until all issues are resolved.

The group also decried the “incessant inconclusive and fraudulent screening/verification of staff exercise, which it has aggravated the plight of teachers in the state”.

It advised the state government to summon the necessary political will and release the results of the previous exercises.

BESAN then directed its members, more than 1,500 of them, to remain at home until further notice, urging them to remain steadfast and committed to the uncompromising stance until all the issues raised are addressed  once and for all.