By Amaka Okafor
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Ebonyi State, Francis Ekechi, has called on the state government to urgently review teachers’ salaries to reflect the incessant increase in fuel pump prices across the country.
Ekechi made the appeal while addressing journalists in Abakaliki, noting that the rising cost of living has placed enormous financial strain on teachers, particularly those in public primary and junior secondary schools.
He stressed that the current economic realities have made it difficult for teachers to meet basic needs, adding that transportation costs alone have significantly eroded their take-home pay. According to him, without a corresponding adjustment in salaries, teachers’ productivity and morale could be adversely affected.
“The increase in fuel pump price has affected every sector of the economy, and teachers are among the worst hit. It is only fair that their salaries are reviewed upward to cushion the effect,” Ekechi said.
The NUT chairman further demanded the upward review of the minimum wage for teachers under the Universal Basic Education Board in the state, which currently stands at ₦70,000. He argued that the amount is no longer sustainable under prevailing economic conditions.
He specifically called for parity between UBEB teachers and their counterparts under the State Education Board (SEB), who currently earn a minimum wage of ₦90,000. Ekechi described the disparity as unjust and demoralizing to primary school teachers.
“It is unacceptable that UBEB teachers earn ₦70,000 while their SEB counterparts receive ₦90,000. We are asking the government to harmonize this salary structure to ensure fairness and equity in the system,” he stated.
Ekechi emphasized that teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of the state and should not be neglected, urging the government to prioritize their welfare as part of efforts to improve the quality of education in Ebonyi.
He also appealed to the state government to engage with relevant stakeholders to address the issue promptly, warning that continued neglect could lead to dissatisfaction within the teaching workforce.
The NUT chairman reaffirmed the union’s commitment to dialogue but hinted that stronger actions may be considered if the concerns of teachers are not addressed in a timely manner.
