Edet Ikotidem
Affected teachers whose promotion letters for 2023 are yet to be released have reacted to the recent explanation given in the media by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Secondary Education Board (SSEB), Dr. Ekaette Ebong Okon, stating that she is merely stating the obvious without providing concrete solutions to their plight.
Dr. Okon had recently provided clarification on the prolonged delay in the issuance of promotion letters, attributing it to administrative bottlenecks and internal challenges within the system.
However, many affected teachers believe that her remarks did not address the core issues or offer any tangible timeline for resolving the matter.
Speaking with StarWitness News, some affected teachers expressed frustration over what they described as an unnecessary delay that has negatively impacted their careers and financial well-being.
According to them, the situation arose from a disagreement between the former Permanent Secretary and other officials, which led to a breakdown in administrative processes.
The transfer of the Permanent Secretary to another ministry, they claimed, further complicated matters, as the signing and issuance of the promotion letters were abandoned in the process.
One of the affected teachers, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated:
“We have been waiting for these promotion letters for too long. Every time we inquire, we get one excuse or another. Now, the SSEB Chairman is simply telling us what we already know. What we need is action, not explanations.”
Another teacher lamented the financial losses incurred due to the delay, explaining that promotions come with salary increments and other benefits, which they have been unfairly denied.
“We worked hard for this promotion, and it is disheartening that bureaucracy is standing in the way of what we rightfully deserve. Many of us have planned our finances around this promotion, only to be left in limbo,” another affected teacher said.
With no concrete resolution in sight, the affected teachers are calling on the Akwa Ibom State Government to intervene and ensure the immediate release of their promotion letters.
Some have suggested that Governor Umo Eno should personally look into the matter and direct the relevant authorities to expedite the process.
“We are appealing to the governor to wade into this issue. Teachers play a vital role in society, and we deserve to be treated with dignity. If the government truly values education, then it should prioritize the welfare of teachers,” a concerned educator remarked.
Meanwhile, education stakeholders and labor unions are also beginning to voice their concerns over the delay, warning that failure to address the issue could dampen the morale of teachers across the state.
As the affected teachers continue to wait, the hope remains that the state government will take swift action to resolve the matter and prevent future occurrences of similar delays.’
Also read: A’Ibom SSEB Chairman Addresses Delay in 2023 Teacher Promotion Letters
The Chairman of the State Secondary Education Board had said that the delay, , has been attributed to administrative processes and the careful handling of the exercise to ensure fairness.
According to Dr. Okon, thousands of promotion letters are yet to be signed, contributing significantly to the delay.
She assured teachers that the board is working diligently to complete the process, emphasizing that every deserving teacher will receive their promotion letter in due time.
She confirmed that senior officers at grade levels 15 and 16 have already received their letters. However, she noted that the board is taking extra precautions to prevent favoritism or selective promotions, ensuring that all eligible teachers receive what is due to them without bias.
Dr. Okon acknowledged that the Permanent Secretary, who plays a crucial role in signing the promotion letters, has an overwhelming workload, which has contributed to the slow pace of processing. Despite this, she assured that efforts are being made to expedite the process.
Refuting rumors circulating within the education sector, Dr. Okon stated categorically that the delay was not caused by the former Permanent Secretary. She described such claims as baseless and urged teachers to remain patient as the board continues to address the issue.
She further clarified that the financial benefits attached to the promotions would be determined based on the official release date of the promotion letters.
This means that until a letter is officially issued, the corresponding salary adjustments and entitlements will not take effect.
Dr. Okon expressed her displeasure over the fact that senior officers were the first to receive their letters while many others are still waiting.
She stressed the need for a more balanced approach in handling promotions, ensuring that all levels of teachers receive equal attention.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Okon appealed to teachers to remain patient and trust the process. She reaffirmed the SSEB’s commitment to fairness and transparency, promising that all outstanding promotion letters would be processed and delivered as soon as possible.
As teachers continue to await their promotion letters, there is growing anticipation that the state government will intervene to speed up the process, ensuring that educators receive their well-earned promotions and benefits without further delay.
