Edet Ikotidem
In a concerning development, Akwa Ibom teachers have expressed their distress over the no inclusion of promotion arrears and the delayed financial benefits in the letter of promotions just released after three years.
Starwitness investigation reveals that the state secondary education board has reportedly accumulated a backlog of three years’ worth of unpaid arrears, adding to the teachers’ growing frustration.
Akwa Ibom Teachers Weep
Each teacher on level 16 is expected to receive about N300,000 per month as salary. In this amount, N90,000 is meant for three domestic servants ie N30,00 each, plus the new level increment which will finally make a teacher to get about N120,000 in the new salary level of 16. This amount N120,000 in 12 months will be about N1.44m and in three years will be about N4.32m and that is arrears of entitlement a teacher will not receive
If my calculation is anything to work with, thus this not negate the ARISE agenda.
The civil service rule in the state is clear on the issue of promotion of civil servants.
Having to delay the release of promotion letters to teachers is the fault on the part SSEB
The teachers say they are disappointed by the present state administration thinking it was teachers friendly.
The promotion was since 2021 but letters were delayed for reasons best known to the state secondary education board and the Akwa Ibom state government
As a result, the union representing the teachers may contemplate a boycott of classes to protest this unfortunate situation.
The teachers say they are disappointed by the present state administration thinking it was teachers friendly.
The promotion was to take place since 2021 but was delayed for reasons best known to the state secondary education board and the Akwa Ibom state government
As a result, the union representing the teachers is contemplating a boycott of classes to protest this unfortunate situation.
These hardworking educators have been eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of their rightful entitlements.
However, with the announcement that these financial benefits will only commence in January 2024, it has further exacerbated the discontent among the teaching community. ]
The accumulation of three years’ worth of arrears by the state secondary education board has only intensified the predicament faced by the teachers.
This situation has not only caused financial hardships but has also eroded the trust and confidence of the teachers in the authorities responsible for ensuring their well-being.
If the contemplated boycott of classes is carried out, this potential action is a testament to the deep frustration and disappointment experienced by the teaching community.
It serves as a means of voicing their collective dissent and pushing for a resolution to their long-standing grievances.
It is crucial for the relevant authorities to take immediate and proactive steps to address this situation.
Also read: Education in Akwa Ibom: How Teachers Pay Money Before Promotion, Processing of Documents
Timely payment of arrears and the fulfillment of financial benefits are not only important for the well-being of the teachers but also for ensuring a conducive and productive learning environment for students.
Neglecting the concerns of the teachers will only lead to further disruptions and challenges in the education system.
Let us not forget that the arrears was part of the budgetary estimates made already for the promotion of these teachers.
If not released to them, where has the government kept it.
It is only through timely and fair resolution can the educational system in Akwa Ibom be restored to its full potential.
