Primary School Teachers Write Tinubu, Lament Suffering Over Non-Implementation Of New N70,000 Minimum Wage
The teachers lamented their exclusion from the federal government’s directive to raise the minimum wage to N70,000.
Primary school teachers in Kaduna State have raised concerns over severe financial hardship resulting from the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage in the state.
In an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dated Thursday, January 23, 2025, and made available to journalists in Kaduna, the teachers lamented their exclusion from the federal government’s directive to raise the minimum wage to N70,000.
The letter, signed by “Concerned Primary School Teachers of Kaduna State” to avoid victimisation, highlighted the challenges faced by teachers due to stagnant wages.
The teachers emphasised the critical role of primary education in Nigeria’s development and warned that the neglect of their welfare compromises the quality of education provided to children in the state.
They urged President Tinubu to intervene and compel the Kaduna State government to implement the new wage structure, emphasizing the urgent need for improved remuneration, regular salary payments, and accountability among local government officials responsible for disbursing salaries.
The letter reads in part, “We, the primary school teachers of Kaduna State, humbly write to bring to your attention the ongoing hardship we face due to the non-implementation of the new minimum wage in our state. Despite the federal government’s progressive step to increase the national minimum wage to ₦70,000, we, the teachers responsible for shaping the future of our nation, have been excluded from its benefits.
“Primary school education forms the bedrock of Nigeria’s development, yet the failure to adopt the new minimum wage in Kaduna State leaves us struggling to meet basic needs and demotivated in carrying out our duties.
“The impact of this neglect extends beyond our personal lives, as it compromises the quality of education we provide to the children entrusted to our care.
“Your Excellency, we appeal to you as the leader of our great nation to intervene and ensure that the Kaduna State government fulfills its obligation to implement the minimum wage for all primary school teachers.
“We respectfully recommend the following actions: Immediate Implementation: Issue a directive to the Kaduna State government to immediately implement the new minimum wage for all primary school teachers.
“Timely Payment: Ensure that teachers’ salaries are paid regularly to alleviate financial strain and foster a motivated workforce.
“Accountability Mechanism: Enforce accountability for local government chairmen to ensure compliance with the federal directive.
“Sanctions: Impose administrative or financial penalties on local government officials who fail to implement the minimum wage.
“Leadership Review: Replace any local government chairman who consistently neglects this responsibility, ensuring that committed and capable leaders are in office.”
“Mr. President, your intervention will not only alleviate our financial burdens but also restore our confidence in the federal government’s dedication to justice and equity,” they added.
