Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has
directed that teachers who absented themselves from work for five times
in a term should be sacked.
Umahi, who gave the directive when he
inaugurated the newly constructed headquarters of Nigerian Union of
Teachers in Abakaliki on Friday, said those who absented themselves from
work once in a month would forfeit half of their salaries for the
month.
He said that all local government
caretaker committee chairmen, development centre coordinators and other
relevant officials had been empowered to carry out the directive.
The governor urged the teachers to the
embrace the government’s initiated school agriculture programme, noting
it would make them productive and supplement their income.
He said, “I heard that the materials
provided for the programme is being stolen in some schools and I mandate
the Commissioner for Education to transfer any headmaster or principal
in such schools to a remote area.
“The programme must be sustained and we are ready to give you soft loans even if everyone is not accommodated at the same time.”
He commended the NUT chairman for
erecting the edifice and paid glowing tributes to its past leaders who
initiated and tried completing the project.
He said, “We are going to look into ways
of reviewing your Teachers Salary Structure and praying for improved
resources to enhance it.
“The government would also donate the
sum of two million naira to the state branch of the NUT to adequately
furnish the building for optimum productivity.”
Mr Joseph Nweke, NUT Chairman in the
state, said that the building was initiated by Mrs Franca Egwu during
the military administration of retired Capt. Walter Ferghabo.
“Successive leadership of the union
tried to complete it and it became my leadership’s main priority on
assumption of office in 2010.”
He commended the governor for showing
sufficient concern in the welfare of teachers through prompt payment of
salaries, other entitlements, among others.
He said, “Your presence to inaugurate
this building is a source of inspiration, joy and deepening of the
spirit of comradeship between teachers and the state government.”
Mr Kelvin Nwankwo, a former NUT
Chairman, and current NUT Deputy National President, commended the
governor for his magnanimity toward teachers and workers in general.
He said, “You are promptly paying
workers salaries when other states are grappling with the payment and
even slashing the salaries.
“You have also demonstrated unbridled
commitment towards educational enhancement by providing basic facilities
to ensure conducive learning in schools across the state.”
The highlights of the occasion include
the inauguration and inspection of the building by the governor,
goodwill messages from relevant stakeholders, among others.
NAN
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