The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has commended the Federal Government for awarding N350 million to 12 outstanding teachers across the six geopolitical zones in recognition of excellence and dedication to the profession.
The National President of NUT, Comrade Audu Amba, gave the commendation on Thursday at the union’s Annual Solemn Assembly in Abuja.
In January, at the National Teachers’ Summit held in Abuja, 12 teachers – two from each geopolitical zone – were honoured for exceptional performance. Six awardees were drawn from basic education and six from senior secondary schools.
Each of the 12 teachers received N25 million, while the overall best teacher, Mr Taiwo Solanke from the South-West zone, was presented with N50 million.
The awards, according to organisers, are aimed at boosting morale within the education sector and promoting merit-based recognition as a catalyst for national education reform.
While praising the initiative, Amba said the gesture, though commendable, did not address the broader welfare concerns of teachers nationwide.
“If the government does something a little, we should commend it, but that cannot stop us from agitating for the improved welfare of our teeming teachers.
“What the government has done is commendable, but it did not reflect the overall welfare of teachers that we are asking for,” he said.
He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to sustained advocacy for improved remuneration, better working conditions and a conducive environment for teachers at the local, state and federal levels.
“In line with our primary responsibility as leaders of Nigerian teachers, we will continue to agitate for the welfare of our members,” Amba added.
The NUT president stressed that the teaching profession must be repositioned to attract highly qualified and competent individuals, rather than being treated as a fallback option for job seekers.
“Teaching is supposed to be seen as a profession where qualified, experienced and intelligent people are engaged to teach our people,” he said.
He noted that countries with strong educational systems place high value on education and prioritise teachers’ welfare.
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, called on governments at all levels to prioritise improved welfare for teachers, describing the profession as the foundation of all other careers.
He advocated a special salary structure for teachers to reflect their critical role in national development.
Earlier, clerics at the assembly-Imam Muhammad Uthman and Rev. Emmanuel Nama-urged teachers to maintain exemplary conduct and promote dialogue, love and unity to foster peaceful coexistence in the country.
The Solemn Assembly, organised annually by the NUT leadership, is aimed at giving thanks for the lives of teachers and committing the year’s activities into God’s hands.
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