Ogun State - Teachers’ Strike: Ogun Pays Peculiar Allowance

[OgunState]

 Ogun State Government has announced that it will pay the Peculiar Allowance to all teachers who have remained at their duty posts from July, 2013.

The allowance will be calculated at the agreed rate of 15 per cent and paid only to teachers who demonstrated understanding concerning the various discussions the government has had with the state branch of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and other stakeholders in the Education Sector by remaining at their duty posts.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, the government stated that the strike embarked upon by some teachers was both regrettable and unnecessary.

It further stated that the government had held different discussions with the NUT where it made it clear that much as government would want to commence immediate payment of the Peculiar Allowance, it only made provision for 7.5 percent for that purpose in the budget.

The need to make necessary budget adjustment to accommodate the 15 percent rate requested by the NUT led to the delay in the payment of the allowance. The state government noted that it 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 as well as upward review and payment of rural allowance to teachers.

‘’We restate our commitment to engage meaningfully with all stakeholders on every issue bothering on 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,’’ it stated.

The government also expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) and other teachers for their understanding which has helped in sustaining academic activities and peace in the schools.

It further thanked all parents, guardians, teachers, students and others whose positive interventions and support have helped in sustaining the affordable qualitative education policy of the current Administration.

Via: Ogun State Government - Official Press Release

[Folami David]

The strike must definately happen from time to time. One dispute or the other would surely lead to the strike.