The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Kogi State Chapter, has appealed to the Kogi State Government to restore the 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Allowance (TSA), urgently recruit more teachers, and improve security around schools across the state.
The union made the appeal on Thursday after its State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held in Lokoja, where it reviewed issues affecting secondary education, teachers’ welfare, and the development of the education sector in the state.
Addressing journalists, the State Chairman of ASUSS, Comrade Emejeh Ogwu Sunday, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration for sustaining industrial harmony, improving security, and maintaining cordial relations with the state’s workforce.
Despite the commendation, the union expressed concern over the recurring attacks on schools and educational communities, describing schools as centres of learning that should never be targets of criminal activities.
ASUSS called on the state government and security agencies to strengthen security around schools through improved intelligence gathering, community participation, and rapid response mechanisms to ensure the safety of teachers and students.
The union also appealed to the government to restore the 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Allowance, noting that the benefit was a product of a negotiated collective bargaining agreement between the union and the government.
According to ASUSS, restoring the allowance would boost teachers’ morale and reaffirm the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education in the state.
On healthcare, the union commended the introduction of the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme, describing it as a laudable initiative capable of improving access to quality healthcare for workers and their families.
It, however, urged teachers who were yet to enrol in the scheme to do so without delay in order to enjoy its benefits.
The union also expressed concern over what it described as the piecemeal payment of gratuities to retired workers. While acknowledging the government’s efforts to settle outstanding liabilities,
ASUSS appealed for gratuities to be paid in larger and more substantial batches to enable retirees to benefit from the rewards of their years of service.
The council further highlighted the acute shortage of teachers in public secondary schools, warning that the situation has increased the workload on existing teachers and is affecting effective teaching and learning.
It therefore urged the state government to embark on the immediate recruitment of qualified teachers to fill vacancies across secondary schools in the state.
ASUSS also proposed the establishment of a motorcycle loan scheme for teachers, particularly those serving in rural communities, to improve mobility, enhance punctuality, and increase productivity.
The union commended teachers across the state for their resilience, professionalism, and commitment despite prevailing economic and workplace challenges, urging them to remain disciplined and dedicated to their responsibilities.
ASUSS reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Kogi State Government through dialogue and constructive engagement to advance secondary education and improve the welfare of teachers.
The union expressed confidence that the concerns raised would receive prompt government attention in the interest of teachers, students, and the overall development of education in Kogi State.
