The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) in Kogi State has called on the state government to restore the 27.5 percent Teachers’ Special Allowance (TSA) to secondary school teachers, warning that its continued suspension is hurting staff morale and the quality of education in the state.
The demand was contained in a communique issued by the union’s Council, which also raised concerns about teacher shortages, piecemeal payment of gratuities to retired workers, and the need for stronger security around schools.
On the allowance, ASUSS described the TSA as a product of a duly negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement between the union and the government, stressing that its restoration would send a clear message about the government’s commitment to quality education.
“Its restoration will greatly improve teachers’ morale and further demonstrate government’s commitment to quality education,” the communique read.
The Council also raised the alarm over an acute shortage of teachers in public secondary schools across the state, warning that the deficit was placing enormous pressure on available staff and negatively affecting teaching and learning.
It called on the government to urgently recruit qualified teachers to fill existing vacancies across Kogi State.
On security, ASUSS condemned attacks on schools, saying educational institutions are centres of learning and must never become targets of criminal activities. The Council urged government and security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and proactive security measures around schools.
Regarding gratuities, the union acknowledged government efforts to settle outstanding liabilities but appealed for payments to be made in more substantial batches so that retired teachers could meaningfully benefit from their years of service.
ASUSS also urged secondary school teachers who had not yet enrolled in the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme to do so without delay, describing it as a valuable initiative capable of improving access to healthcare for workers and their families.
Additionally, the Council called on the government to establish a motorcycle loan scheme for teachers, particularly those serving in rural communities where transportation remains a daily challenge, saying such a programme would improve punctuality and boost productivity.
Despite these challenges, ASUSS commended teachers for their resilience and professionalism and praised the Kogi State Government under Governor Usman Ododo for its efforts in maintaining industrial harmony and a cordial relationship with the workforce.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and dialogue as the best approach to resolving issues affecting teachers and the education sector in the state.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
