Teachers across Ebonyi State have called on the state government to urgently address critical manpower shortages in public schools and clear all outstanding salary arrears to boost morale and raise educational standards.
The appeal was voiced by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Francis Ekechi, during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the NUT Secretariat in Abakaliki.
Speaking on the challenges facing basic and secondary education in the state, Comrade Ekechi noted that severe understaffing has rendered the UNESCO-recommended teacher-to-pupil ratio of 1:30 virtually unachievable in many public schools.
“The severe shortage of teaching personnel across our schools has placed an unbearable workload on existing staff,” Ekechi stated, emphasizing the imperative for immediate recruitment to sustain quality instruction.
Beyond recruitment, the NUT Chairman outlined several pressing demands aimed at improving the professional status and welfare of educators in Ebonyi State.
“Provision of regular training and retraining programs centered on modern pedagogical tools and instructional technology.”
“Immediate settlement of salary arrears owed to teachers affected by the Teachers’ Service Years Harmonisation policy.”
“Payment of seven months of minimum wage increment arrears owed to State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) primary school teachers.”
“Provision of an 18-seater operational bus to assist the union in running its administrative activities.”
Despite these grievances, Comrade Ekechi commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for maintaining a teacher-friendly posture, pointing to the administration’s recent recall of Directors within the education sector and the implementation of a N20,000 monthly allowance boost for SUBEB teachers.
This year’s celebration, held under the global theme “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing the Status and Shaping Our Futures,” brought together government officials, labour leaders, and key stakeholders.
In his keynote address, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ogugua Egwu, challenged society and the government to move beyond lip service in their support for educators.
“Six decades after the ILO and UNESCO adopted the landmark Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, we must ask ourselves: is society truly standing with teachers, or are we merely watching them shoulder the immense burden of educating the nation under arduous conditions?” Egwu queried.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion and State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Ilang, reiterated the central role of educators in national growth, stating that no functional government or society can progress without a robust teaching workforce.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Francis Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing teacher welfare and upgrading school infrastructure across Ebonyi State.
“A motivated teacher remains the ultimate asset to societal advancement,” Governor Nwifuru declared.
“Your voices matter, and we will continue to recognise, reward, and invest in our most outstanding educators. We see you, and we appreciate your sacrifices.”
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