The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on all states to implement the minimum wage for all eligible workers, emphasizing that this measure is essential for motivating teachers to perform at their best.
Speaking at the NUT’s delegates conference for the Adamawa State branch in Yola on Tuesday, the union’s president, Audu Amba, highlighted the importance of equal treatment across the workforce, particularly for teachers. Amba noted that in some states where the minimum wage has been implemented, certain categories of teachers have been excluded, which he warned could disrupt the balance and quality of education.
Specifically addressing the situation in Adamawa State, Amba acknowledged the state’s prompt adoption of the new N70,000 minimum wage but expressed disappointment that local government workers and primary school teachers had not yet benefited. “It is important that this wage increase reaches all eligible workers so everyone feels included. Leaving some workers behind is unfair and could impact the quality of education delivery,” Amba said.
Also speaking at the conference, Emmanuel Fache, chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Adamawa, urged the state government to extend the N70,000 minimum wage to primary school teachers. He further advocated for more teachers to be recruited, especially in primary schools. “In some schools, there are only one or two teachers trying to manage hundreds of pupils across multiple classes. This strain on resources undermines the foundational quality of education,” Fache explained.
In a goodwill message to the conference attendees, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri encouraged teachers to prioritize selflessness in their work. He called on the NUT to address the issue of public schools, which, despite having more qualified teachers than many private institutions, are reportedly producing lower-quality students. He acknowledged the invaluable role teachers play, noting that “government cannot fully compensate them for their worth,” but underscored the importance of their dedication for the improvement of education in the state.
