The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Kogi State Chapter, on Thursday urged the Kogi State Government to consider the immediate recruitment of teachers and restoration of 27.5 pee cent Teachers Special Allowance, TSA, to save the educational sector in the state from total collapse.
The union, however, praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration for sustaining industrial harmony, strengthening security across the state and maintaining what it described as a cordial relationship with the workforce, even as it appealed for urgent intervention in critical issues affecting teachers and public schools.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of the union and presented by its State Chairman, Comrade Emejeh Ogwu Sunday, during a press briefing in Lokoja.
While acknowledging the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare, ASUSS said more decisive actions were needed to address longstanding concerns confronting the education sector.
The union expressed deep concerns over recurring attacks on schools and educational communities, describing the trend as a direct threat to learning and the safety of both teachers and students.
“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,” the union stated.
ASUSS also renewed its demand for the restoration of the 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Allowance, insisting that the allowance was negotiated under a valid Collective Bargaining Agreement and was designed to recognise the unique demands of the teaching profession.
According to the union, “Its restoration will greatly improve teachers’ morale and further demonstrate Government’s commitment to quality education.”
On healthcare, the union commended the introduction of the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme, describing it as a major initiative capable of improving access to quality medical care for workers and their families. It, however, urged members who were yet to enrol to do so without delay in order to benefit from the programme.
The teachers’ body also appealed to the government to review the current pattern of gratuity payments to retired workers, noting that although efforts to clear outstanding liabilities were commendable, retirees deserved more substantial and regular payments.
The union further lamented the acute shortage of teachers in public secondary schools across the state, warning that the increasing workload on available personnel was already affecting effective teaching and learning.
ASUSS therefore called for the immediate recruitment of qualified teachers to fill existing vacancies, while also urging the state government to introduce a motorcycle loan scheme for teachers posted to rural communities to ease transportation challenges and improve productivity.
Despite the challenges, the union commended teachers across the State for remaining dedicated and committed to their responsibilities under difficult economic conditions and assured the government of its continued readiness to engage constructively in advancing secondary education through dialogue and mutual respect.
“We remain committed to constructive engagement, mutual respect and dialogue as the best means of addressing issues affecting teachers and the education sector,” the union said, expressing confidence that the government would give urgent attention to its demands in the interest of teachers, students and the future of education in Kogi State.
