By Isaac Uzaan
The Benue State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) comrade Terna Levi Akuma has, on behalf of the union, applauded the efforts of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia towards repositioning the basic education sector in the state.
Comrade Terna Levi Akuma made this known Monday, October 28, 2024 during an interactive session with the Executive Chairman State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) after monitoring the ongoing computer based test preparatory for the recruitment of 9,700 Teachers as directed by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
He said with the transparent and sincere manner the exercise is being handled, the teachers who will finally make the list will be those with best brains and who are eminently qualified.
Comrade Akuma added that the digitization and automation of teachers nominal roll, regular monitoring of both schools and ongoing projects, renovation of structures at SUBEB headquarters especially the Confidence Hall, prompt presentation of issues of primary school teachers to the Governor, and implementation of teachers salary as well as other entitlements were some of the achievements of the current administration that would not be forgotten in a hurry.
He appealed to the Governor to ensure that genuine teachers whose names were wrongly removed on the staff payroll are brought back, address the issue of under payment to some teachers and payment of two months salary arrears to deceased teachers.
Comrade Akuma, who said Benue teachers have resolved to remain loyal to the administration of Governor Alia, thanked the Chairman, management, and entire staff of the Board for making Teachers proud by leaving up to their responsibility.
The SUBEB Executive chairman Dr. Grace Adagba while responding on behalf of the Governor, thanked Benue teachers for their commitment to duty and called for
a sustained synergy between the State government and members of NUT towards uplifting the standard of public primary schools in Benue.
Doctor Adagba explained that the Board has constituted committees to address some of the challenges the NUT chairman raised especially on the payment of salary arrears to deceased teachers, saying the Governor wants the money to go to those who were genuine next of kins of the deceased staff.
She said, going forward, all Local Government Education Secretaries should ensure that files and information concerning a deceased teacher get to the board on time and that teachers who have genuine cases should always visit the Board for redress.
Dr. Adagba called on Chairmen of NUT in all the Local Government Areas to help the Board deliver quality service to Benue Teachers, adding that Governor Alia was interested in the positive transformation of education in the state particularly the basic education sector.
