Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Kogi State Chapter, has expressed serious concern over the persistent attacks on schools and educational communities in the country and the state in particular.
This was contained in a communique issued by the Executive council of the ASUSS and copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.
It lamented that that schools are centres of learning and should never become targets of criminal activities.
The Council therefore called on government and all security agencies to strengthen security around schools through proactive intelligence.
The Council however commended the Kogi State Government under the leadership of the Governor Usman Ododo, of Kogi State, for its sustained efforts in improving security across the state and for maintaining a cordial relationship with the workforce.
“We acknowledge the government’s commitment to industrial harmony and appreciate the steps taken to promote the welfare of workers.
“The Council also passionately appeals to the Kogi State Government to restore the payment of the 27.5% Teachers’ Special Allowance (TSA) to secondary school teachers. This allowance was a product of a duly negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement between ASUSS and the Government and served as recognition of the peculiar demands of the teaching profession.
‘Its restoration will greatly improve teachers’ morale and further demonstrate government’s commitment to quality education.
“On healthcare, the Council commended the government for introducing the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme, which has the capacity to improve access to quality healthcare for workers and their families.
“We, however, observe that some of our members have not yet enrolled in the scheme. We therefore urge all secondary school teachers to complete their enrollment without delay so they can enjoy its numerous benefits.
“The council further expresses concern over the piecemeal payment of gratuities to retired workers in the state. While we appreciate government’s efforts to settle outstanding liabilities, we respectfully appeal that gratuities be paid in more reasonable and substantial batches to enable our retired colleagues enjoy the rewards of their many years of dedicated service.
“Another major concern is the acute shortage of teachers in our public secondary schools. The shortage has placed enormous pressure on the available teachers and is affecting the quality of teaching and learning. We therefore renew our appeal to Government to urgently recruit qualified teachers to fill existing vacancies across the state.
“The Council equally calls on government to establish a motorcycle loan scheme for secondary school teachers, especially those serving in rural communities where transportation remains a major challenge. Such a programme will improve teachers’ mobility, enhance punctuality, and boost productivity, “the communique stressed.
“Despite these challenges, the Council commends all teachers for their resilience, professionalism, and commitment to duty under difficult economic and working conditions.
“We encourage our members to remain dedicated, maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, and continue to discharge their responsibilities with diligence in the overall interest of our students and the state.
“Finally, ASUSS wishes to reassure the Kogi State Government of our continued support and readiness to collaborate in advancing the development of secondary education. We remain committed to constructive engagement, mutual respect, and dialogue as the best means of addressing issues affecting teachers and the education sector.”