The Ogun State Government said that from July, it would start paying the peculiar allowance to teachers, who remained at their duty posts.
This position was contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, and it was made available to Saturday PUNCH on Friday.
It said that the allowance would be calculated at the agreed 15 per cent rate and paid only to teachers who demonstrated understanding with the government by desisting from strike.
The statement said the government had discussed with the state branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and other stakeholders in the education sector on the need to discontinue the strike, which it described as regrettable and unnecessary.
It stated that initially, the state government had sought the understanding of the union, saying it only made the provision for 7.5 per cent for the allowance in the budget.
It said the need to do a budget adjustment to accommodate the 15 per cent rate demanded by the NUT led to the delay in the payment of the allowances.
It said, "The state government has implemented so many policies and projects, which are directed at improving the standard of living and the work environment of the teachers, including being one of the first states to pay the minimum wage and review upward the salaries of teachers.
"We restate our commitment to engage meaningfully with all stakeholders on every issue relating to the development of education. It is in this vein that we expect the state branch of the NUT to return to the negotiation table for further discussion on this issue and any other one for that matter."
The government also expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, among others, for its understanding towards sustaining academic activities and peace in the schools.
The Punch