Primary school teachers to begin strike from Monday – NUT Edo Chapter
By Adeboye Faizat
The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) Edo state chapter has issued directive to primary school teachers and school heads to begin an indefinite strike from Monday.
The directive was in an official statement issued at the end of its enlarged State WingExecutive Council (SWEC) meeting of last Tuesday in Benin city.
In an official statement signed by state chairman, Pius Okhueleigbe, assistant secretary general, Moni Mike Modesty Itua and three others said the order to embark on an indefinite strike was due to Edo state Government failure to meet its 10 point demands.
Official statement reads, “All head of public primary schools and teachers in 18 councils of the state should embark on an indefinite strike from Monday, January 18, 2021 and ensure that all teaching and learning tools in their possession are completely put in off mode.”
Union praised state House of Assembly Committee on Education, Controller of Labour, Ministry of Labour and Employment and Nigeria Labour congress (NLC) for their intervention. It expressed dismay at nonchalant attitude of government towards issues discussed with union.
It urged parents to keep their children and wards away from schools during this indefinite strike and advised school heads and parents to disregard any form of propaganda or whatever against decision of union during its industrial action. It, however, urged all lovers of education good spirited Citizens and institutions to influence Edo state government to meet union’s demands
These are some of union’s demands: payment of 2013 – 2015 promotion arrears of teachers in Oredo, Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode councils, as well as reinforcement and guarantee of payment of salaries, on or before 27th of every month as directed by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
However, Edo state government has said plan by state chapter of NUT to embark on an indefinite strike is baseless.
Chairman of State Universal Basic Educational Board (SUBEB), Dr Joan Oviawe stated that, “There is no basis for strike, Governor Obaseki has done much for teachers and state government does not have issue with anybody as it has been very supportive to teachers.”
