The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Katsina State Wing, has appealed to the state government to restore the 27.5 per cent teachers’ allowance that has remained suspended since 2011.
The union’s Chairperson, Rakiya Shehu-Runka, made the appeal during the NUT State Delegates Conference held in Katsina, stressing that teachers in the state had been denied the benefit for more than a decade, unlike their counterparts in many other states.
Shehu-Runka, who was re-elected unopposed at the conference, said the restoration of the allowance would boost teachers’ morale, enhance productivity and promote industrial harmony within the education sector.
“The restoration of the allowance will ensure industrial harmony in the education sector. It will also motivate our teeming teachers and improve their productivity,” she said.
Despite the appeal, the NUT leader commended the administration of Governor Dikko Radda for its commitment to improving education through the construction and renovation of schools, teacher training programmes and recruitment initiatives.
She specifically praised the government for employing 7,000 teachers and for the ongoing replacement of an additional 2,000 teachers across the state.
The conference also produced a new executive council to oversee the affairs of the union for the next four years.
Shehu-Runka retained her position as chairperson, while Aliyu Ibrahim-Matazu was re-elected deputy chairman.
Other officials elected include Abdullahi Ibrahim, Sani Nasiru, Abdu Bako-Matazu and Yahaya Wada as first, second, third and fourth vice chairmen, respectively.
Also elected were Suwaiba Hassan as treasurer, Usman Dalha as first internal auditor, Yunusa Muhammad-Batsari as second internal auditor, Mamuda Abdu as publicity secretary and Ibrahim Umar as social secretary.
Bashir Musa-Shehu emerged assistant social secretary, Ibrahim Musa was elected national representative, while Hamisu Muhammad became state editor.
In her acceptance speech, Shehu-Runka expressed appreciation to delegates for renewing their confidence in her leadership and pledged to serve with integrity and dedication.
She assured members that the union would continue to prioritise teachers’ welfare, strengthen its structures and support efforts aimed at improving the quality of education in Katsina State.
The chairperson also urged members to remain united and committed to the union’s objectives, noting that collective action was essential to addressing challenges confronting teachers and advancing the profession.
