Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has released N1 billion for the payment of outstanding promotion arrears to primary school teachers with further commitment to the welfare of teachers in the state.
Uduaghan in his address to the 2012 Teachers’ Day Celebration, read by his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, while commending the teachers for calling of their strike action, used the occasion to challenge teachers in the state to reciprocate the Government’s gesture by redoubling their efforts.
He assured that the state government would fully implement the agreement that it entered into with the teachers, adding that payment would only be made to identified teachers.
” The State Government has released one billion naira for the payment of outstanding promotion arrears to affected primary school teachers in the state. The Ministry of Education has embarked on staff audit. This is to ensure that loopholes are plugged and that teachers who are physically engaged on the job are paid,” he said.
He observed that Delta State was ahead of most states in the Federation in terms of the welfare of teachers in spite of the fact that it has the highest number of teachers at the highest grade levels .
The governor explained: ” the state has one thousand, three hundred and thirty four teachers on level sixteen, one thousand, five hundred and thirty nine are on level fifteen while one thousand and thirty eight are on level fourteen.
” I am happy to be in your midst today, especially after we have all been able to settle our differences having reached a comprehensive agreement on all the issues involved.
” Let me commend you for calling off the strike. This administration, from inception, has remained and will continue to be labour friendly at all times…You should redouble your efforts to expel the ugly spectre of falling standard of education, which is currently affecting all levels of education in the country.
” I implore you to partner with us in our resolve to raise the standard of education through improved infrastructure, to ensure a most conducive learning environment. Infrastructure alone cannot impact positively on the pupils since your input is the most critical in the learning process,” he said.
He used the occasion to appeal to all Deltans to show concern to their brothers and sisters who have been adversely affected by the devastating flood currently causing much havoc in the state.
