The Executive Chairman of Plateau Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Sunday Amuna, has made an appeal to primary school teachers in the state to reconsider their plans to go on strike.
Amuna made this appeal on Monday after monitoring the resumption of pupils in some primary schools in Jos and its environs.
According to reports, primary school teachers in certain local government areas are planning to commence industrial action due to outstanding salary arrears.
The affected teachers are from Bassa, Jos South, Bokkos, Pankshin, Mikkang, Langtang North, and Langtang South LGAs.
Amuna stated, “I received a letter stating that teachers in Jos South, Langtang South, and many other areas are planning to go on strike over outstanding salary arrears.”
The appeal from Amuna comes as a plea for understanding from the teachers, urging them to consider the difficulties faced by the current administration in resolving the salary arrears issue.
He emphasised that the non-payment of salaries was not a deliberate act by the government but rather a consequence of the actions of previous local government chairmen.
“I received a letter that teachers in Jos South, Langtang South, and many other areas are planning to embark on strike over outstanding salary arrears.
“It is not the fault of this administration that salaries of some teachers have not been paid, it is an inherited problem because the former chairmen of these areas left with these monies.
“This administration will not joke with salaries and incentives of teachers and other workers, because we believe in giving labourers their wages.
“So, I want to appeal to teachers planning to embark on strike to shelve such plans for the sake of our children; and let us put heads together to address this matter amicably,” he appealed.
Amuna, who commended the pupils and students of the schools visited for early resumption, decried the dearth of infrastructure and paucity of qualified teachers for some core subjects.
“The turnout of students and teachers is quite impressive, but these are challenges that need urgent attention.
“There is a shortage of facilities, particularly furniture and other learning materials.
“But I want to assure the people of Plateau that we will do our best to address these gaps, and ensure our children get quality education,” he said.