The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kwara State chapter, has expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay in the payment of Teachers Specific Allowances (TSA) by the state government.
In a statement jointly signed by the state Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Wahab Agboola, and the Deputy Secretary-General, Mike Modesty, the union condemned what it described as the government’s “graveyard silence” on the issue. The NUT lamented that despite repeated appeals and discussions, there has been no concrete action taken to address the outstanding allowances.
The Teachers Specific Allowance is a government-approved incentive, designed to boost the morale and performance of teachers. It includes a 27.5% allowance for primary and secondary school teachers, and a 21% allowance for other education workers. The union says these payments have been pending for too long, despite various engagements with state officials.
“Our members are losing patience. We have tried dialogue, but nothing is changing. The silence of the state government is not only disturbing, but it also shows a lack of commitment to the welfare of teachers,” the statement read.
In a rather symbolic move, the union announced that teachers across the state would observe a day of fasting and prayer, seeking divine intervention for the release of the long-overdue allowances. This resolution came after a meeting with critical stakeholders in Ilorin on Tuesday.
While the union acknowledged the state government’s approval of financial backing for the 2024 TESCOM promotion exercise, it stressed that teachers’ welfare should not be sacrificed. They maintained that the unpaid TSA continues to affect teachers’ morale, productivity, and overall commitment to duty.
“We appreciate the promotion initiative, but what good is promotion when welfare is neglected? Motivation is key to performance, and right now, teachers are not motivated,” the statement added.
The union also called on all teachers in the state to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting further instructions from the leadership. It warned, however, that if the government fails to respond positively after the spiritual exercise, it may be forced to consider stronger actions, including issuing an official ultimatum or embarking on industrial action.
The situation has drawn attention to the broader issue of teachers’ welfare across the country, as many states struggle to meet financial obligations to education workers.
Kwara State has, in recent years, made efforts to improve its education sector through reforms and infrastructure development. However, teacher welfare remains a lingering concern, with unions frequently raising alarm over unpaid entitlements, poor working conditions, and lack of teaching materials.
As the new academic term approaches, the NUT has urged the government to prioritize the settlement of the TSA to avoid disruptions in schools and ensure a smooth teaching and learning environment for both teachers and students.
