The Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, has ordered a full scale probe into teachers salary payment and implementation of minimum wage with a view to determining possible infractions in the finances of the state.
To achieve desirable results in the probe, the governor on Monday set up a seven-man panel headed by Prof. Malami Shehu Gulumbe to scrutinize the teachers salary payment and implementation of the minimum wage.
Specifically, the governor directed the committee to investigate issues surrounding the payment of salaries and the implementation of the new minimum wage for primary school teachers across the state.
Inaugurating the committee at the Government House, Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice and fairness for teachers.
“I have a personal interest in this committee. I know how much the teachers were earning before, and I also know how much I approved as their new minimum wage,” the governor stated.
He urged members of the committee to carry out their assignment diligently and objectively, stressing that he would not tolerate any form of compromise.
“I trust the committee members. That is why I carefully selected credible individuals who will do the job thoroughly and professionally,” he added.
Governor Idris further explained that the inauguration of the committee followed a recent meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, and the outcome of a town hall meeting.
“Following our meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the outcome of the town hall meeting, I hereby inaugurate this committee to identify the actual grievances of primary school teachers regarding salary payments,” he said.
The committee is mandated to determine the actual monthly funding from Local Governments to Local Government Education Authorities, LGEAs, particularly in relation to funding before the implementation of the new minimum wage.
It will also confirm whether there are any infractions capable of undermining the integrity of funds released to LGEAs for salary payments and implementation of the new minimum wage.
“Identify any individuals responsible for issues related to salary placement and apportion blame where necessary.
“Distinguish between professional and non-professional teachers and recommend appropriate measures to address any identified anomalies.”
The committee has been given one month to submit its report.
Committee Members include Prof. Malami Shehu Gulumbe – Chairman, Abubakar Muhammad (Hon. Commissioner of Finance) – Member, Representative, Ministry for Local Government – Member and Representative, SUBEB – Member
Others are Representative, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) – Member, Representative, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) – Member and Representative, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs – Secretary
A statement on Monday by Malam Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, hinted that the committee has just one month to turn its report.
Kebbi Gov orders probe of teachers salary payment, minimum wage implementation