Secondary school teachers in Kogi State are calling on the state government to reinstate the suspended 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Allowance, saying its absence is weighing heavily on morale at a time the education sector needs stability.
The demand was made on Thursday in Lokoja by the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Kogi State chapter, during a press briefing after its State Executive Council meeting.
State Chairman of ASUSS, Emejeh Sunday, told journalists that the allowance was agreed through a Collective Bargaining Agreement to recognise the peculiar demands of the teaching profession.
“Its restoration will greatly improve teachers’ morale and further demonstrate the Government’s commitment to quality education,” the union stated.
ASUSS warned that continued denial of the incentive risks further demotivating teachers who are already working under pressure.
Beyond pay, the union raised concern over the safety of teachers and students, citing rising attacks on schools and host communities.
“Schools are centres of learning and should never become targets of criminal activities. We call on the Government and all security agencies to strengthen security around schools through proactive intelligence gathering, community participation and rapid security response,” ASUSS said.
