Nigeria Union of Teachers Are On Strike

by Samson Itoje
(Lagos)

The Nigeria union of teachers (NUT) are on strike to press home their demand for increased wages. Several warning strikes lasting a few days were carried out prior to this all-out strike that commenced June 30 2008.

This strike basically covers teachers in all government schools. However, the NUT is considering picketing private schools to compel the schools to join the strike. The purpose of course is to expand the impart of the strike and force the federal government of Nigeria to take accede to their demands sooner than later.

The federal government says it's not responsible for setting teachers wages except for teachers in federal government schools. She has asked the teachers in state government schools to negotiate a better wage with their respective state governments.

This position is unacceptable to the striking teachers. They want the federal government to implement the new TSS salary scale for teachers purportedly agreed to by the federal government about a year back.

The battle lines are drawn. Both sides are ready for battle.

Do you think teachers deserve a better wage? Or should they wait for their reward in heaven?

I think teachers should be better rewarded not just in terms of salary but also with respect to incentives outside of the basic salary.

This will go a long way to improve the standard of education in the country.