Ebonyi NUT Urges Governor Nwifuru to Prioritize Teacher Training, Special Salary Structure
By Ewa Ugonma
The Ebonyi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to intensify efforts in enhancing teacher training and implementing a dedicated salary structure to elevate education standards in the state.
Speaking during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Abakaliki on Sunday, the State Chairman of the NUT, Mr. Ekechi Francis, commended Governor Nwifuru for his administration’s recent strides in workers’ welfare. He specifically praised the ₦20,000 salary increase that raised the state’s minimum wage to ₦90,000, as well as the clearing of pension and gratuity arrears dating back to the creation of the state.
Despite these achievements, Mr. Ekechi emphasized that more strategic investments were necessary to transform the education sector. He urged the government to prioritize the continuous retraining of teachers in modern pedagogical methods and the use of digital instructional tools in line with global best practices.
“There is a need for retraining of our teachers in modern-day teaching equipment to ensure we are at par with current best global practices,” he stated.
The NUT chairman also appealed for the approval of a Teachers’ Salary Structure (TSS) for Ebonyi State, aligning with specialized salary frameworks already adopted in other professional sectors. Additionally, he called for the recruitment of qualified educators to fill existing gaps in primary and junior secondary schools.
Citing workforce data, Mr. Ekechi revealed that a total of 1,323 teachers exited the state's service between 2015 and 2020, while another 1,121 left between 2021 and 2025, despite the elongation of service years. This attrition, he said, has created a critical shortage in the sector.
“This alarming shortfall underscores the urgent need to recruit teachers with core qualifications who can sustain quality education across our schools,” he added.
Other appeals made by the union include exempting teachers from the state’s eight-year directors’ retirement policy, ensuring payment of the 2024 Christmas bonus to all Universal Basic Education (UBEB) teachers, and replacing the union’s aging bus with a new 18-seater vehicle.
In response, Governor Nwifuru—represented by the State Head of Service, Mrs. Rita-Mary Okoro—reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing teacher welfare and addressing systemic challenges in the education sector.
“His Excellency is a humane leader who understands the needs of teachers. We will continue to address challenges in the sector to ensure that our teachers remain happy and motivated,” Mrs. Okoro assured.
She further encouraged educators to remain dedicated to their vital role in shaping the minds of future generations, describing them as “the foundation upon which all other professions stand.”
Also speaking at the event, the immediate past National Deputy President of the NUT, Comrade Ken Nwankwo, and a member of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Nwuzor Chijioke, lauded the state government’s efforts. However, they echoed the call for improved welfare packages and motivation to boost teacher productivity and enhance learning outcomes.
