Primary school teachers in Delta State have raised serious concerns regarding a recent deduction of N5,000 from their salaries for the production of identity cards, mandated by the state wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
According to a circular issued on September 26, 2024, by the Secretary of the NUT in Delta State, Dan Basime, the Ministry of Local Government Service Commission was instructed to implement these salary deductions.
The circular, titled “Production of Identity Card For Primary School Teachers,” stated: “I am directed by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Delta State Wing to officially inform you to commence production of identity card (ID), for Primary School Teachers as well as the staff of the Local Government Education Authority as discussed. I am to also add that the cost of producing the ID be deducted twice from their salaries at source.”
In response, the teachers expressed their outrage, labeling the deduction as unjust, particularly given the challenging economic circumstances they face. They questioned the rationale behind the N5,000 charge for ID production, especially when considering mass production capabilities, and raised concerns about the continuous adjustments made to their salaries.
“Why were they elected to oversee the activities of the teachers? Why is the primary school teacher always their target in all their policies? Were they elected to extort and punish us or to work for our interest?” they asked.
The teachers accused the NUT executives of mistreating primary school educators, contrasting their treatment with that of secondary school teachers. They also highlighted the state government’s delay in addressing promised salary arrears, suggesting that the delay is linked to the misappropriation of their funds for what they termed frivolous purposes.
“Our secondary school counterparts have been paid, and they were paid completely. Why is ours different?” they questioned.
The teachers have called upon Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to intervene and halt what they deem as oppressive policies and extortionate practices directed at educators.
