Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In order to boost the morale of teachers in the state, the Oyo State government has promoted no fewer than 7,460 teachers in public primary schools on its payroll, with letters distributed to 9,227 teachers on Grade level 13-15.
At the presentation of the letters on Friday by the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, it was explained that it was in fulfilment of the promises made to teachers in the state by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Dr Adeniran noted that the category of teachers who received their letters of promotion was placed on a six-year waiting period by the previous administrations, adding that this policy had affected the morale of public primary school teachers as their counterparts in the secondary schools were not affected by the policy.
“I am pleased to be here this morning at the official presentation of Promotion letters to our teachers from grade level 13 to 15. You are all aware that a similar programme was held in October 2021 for teachers and non-teaching staff,” he said.
Dr Adeniran praised Governor Makinde for his love for teachers, which was demonstrated by the approval granted, that six years waiting period be reverted with immediate effect.
“This by implication means that all teachers affected are going to enjoy their promotions with a month’s arrears and this takes financial effect from the month of June 2022,” he said.
He added that teachers that have retired from service in the course of processing the approval for the lifting of the six-year waiting period will also enjoy the promotion due to them, simply by applying for the re-computation of their gratuity and pension in line with the Pension Act.
The Oyo SUBEB boss said, “The present administration has positively impacted the lives of both public and Civil Servants because of its people-oriented policies. In view of this, I want to admonish all our teachers to ensure that, to whom much is given, much is expected”.
He, therefore, called for the support of teachers, adding that the state government has left no stone unturned to better the lives of teachers in the state.
“This administration will request your support to enjoy continuity of prompt payment of salaries and promotion as and when due, as well as, a conducive working milieu,” he said.
Dr Adeniran acknowledged the support of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and Association of Primary School Head-teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) Oyo State Branch to the success of this exercise.
“In all, a total number of Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty-seven (9,227) letters of promotion were produced for teachers on GL. 13-15,” he said.
“This has taken care of those that will benefit from two promotions. Once again, I wish to admonish all teachers to be patient and appreciative of the present administration’s various kind gestures, geared towards ameliorating their sufferings, improving their career progression and their well-being, all of which are unprecedented. These gestures can only be reciprocated by being more committed to their duties at all times, with a view to ensuring improved learning outcomes in our schools,” Dr Adeniran added.
Speaking earlier, the NUT Chairman, Mr Raji Oladimeji, assured the state government that the gesture of the state government would never be forgotten, adding that this would further encourage teachers in Primary schools to deliver good, qualitative and efficient education to the pupils across the state.
