The Ekiti State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of teachers and providing a conducive teaching and learning environment in the State.
The State Chairman of NUT, Comrade Daodu Bamidele Olaitan gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the State Governor in Ado Ekiti, said the visit was to express appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for the financial assistance that facilitated the State’s participation at the July 2024 Education International Conference in Argentina and always attending to the needs of teachers since the inception of the present administration.
Lauding the recent recruitment of teachers in the State, Bamidele described the innovative introduction of Housing and Car loans for Primary School teachers as commendable, adding that the approved new minimum wage and consequential adjustment which cover all segments of the State public service is also praiseworthy.
He noted that Government’s interventions in the education sector has significantly reduced the number of out of school children in the State while teaching has become more fulfilling.
The Labour leader pledged the continued support of his union for efforts to improve the education sector towards achieving the overall success of the Oyebanji administration at rapidly developing the State.
Responding, Governor Biodun Oyebanji who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun reiterated the commitment of his administration to the welfare of workers, particularly teachers in the State.
Governor Oyebanji noted that the recent approval for the elevation of graduate Primary school teachers to grade level 16 would promote no less than 312 teachers in the State adding that the focus is to give priority attention to the welfare of teachers as part of efforts at improving teaching and learning outcomes in the State.
Charging the Union leaders to eschew violence and embrace peace before, during and after their forthcoming elections, Oyebanji described his administration as labour-friendly, and a responsible government that believes in the sanctity of labour laws and freedom of association, assuring that the State Government would not unduly interfere in the internal affairs of the NUT or any labour union but would continue to work with them towards sustaining the prevailing industrial peace in the State.
In attendance at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Mr. Olusesan Alabi, Permanent Secretary of the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mr. Sunday Boluwade, Acting Permanent Secretary of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Olufemi Dada who represented the SUBEB Chairman, Prof. Femi Akinwumi and the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Teachers Affairs, Comrade Fatai Oluyede.