Plateau teachers decry non-implementation of new minimum wage

By PETER AMINE

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Jos East Chapter, on Wednesday decried the non-implementations of the new minimum wage in the state.

Its Chairman, Mr Samuel Agwom, voiced the teachers’ concerns when he led other NUT officials on a courtesy visit to the Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Mr Abok Ayuba.

Agwom appealed to the Plateau government to quickly initiate the process of implementing the new minimum wage for civil servants, especially the primary school teachers.

“As teachers, we are crying over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage and we want to believe that you have the ability to channel this concern to the state government.

“Another challenge is the late payment of salaries of teachers. As primary school teachers, we lay the foundation of education, but we are being neglected.

“We thank God that these rescue missions recognise us and that is why we have the voice to appreciate the Governor of Plateau for the prompt payments of salaries.

“In the same vein, we wish to appeal to the state government to provide exercise books for public primary schools. We believe that this will preach the gospel of the rescue mission in the state.

“The books will also spur many children back to school and facilitate efforts to revamp education in the state,” he added.

The Speaker, in his response, said that government had placed special premium on the wages of teachers and civil servants in the state.

“Government is also rebuilding and renovating classrooms and structures that have not been in use.

“If you want to succeed as a government, don’t toy with civil servants because they are the engine room of governance.

“As a representative of the Jos East Local Government, I have done so much and I promise I will do even more to make life better for all,” he said.  (NAN)