NUT president asks FG to declare state of emergency on insecurity

Audu Amba, president of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on insecurity.

Amba spoke on Monday in Abuja at the NUT’s 6th Annual Solemn Assembly.

He expressed concerns that Nigeria has recorded “unprecedented” security challenges, adding that insecurity affects education.

“It is therefore my humble plea that the federal government declare a state of emergency as far as the security situation does not improve,” he said.

“Government at all levels should do the needful since security is everybody’s business.

“Nothing can be achieved with insecurity in the country. So, it is imperative to move all stumbling blocks that are bedevilling the security architecture of the country.

“We hope that federal, states, local governments and all stakeholders in education should join hands to protect our schools and the education workers in Nigeria.”

Amba appealed for a constitution amendment for funding of primary and secondary education to be on the first line charge in revenue allocation.

The NUT president emphasised the need for a uniform scheme of service for all teachers.

He urged the government to implement an acceptable and sustainable minimum wage for workers and Nigerian teachers.

“We believe that when enacted into law, it will go a long way to address the issue of irregular salary payment of teachers across the states,” he said.

“Teachers’ professional salary structure that is supposed to have been implemented in the year 2023 has not been accommodated in the budget.

“As such, we will continue to push for its implementation.”