Nigeria’s Governors Forum have rejected the new salary package approved by the federal government, saying it is not achievable.
The governors expressed shock that the federal government did not consult them before unilaterally unfolding the package during the 2020 World Teachers Day on October 5.
Going by the conditions given by the governors, only teachers on the employ of the federal government would enjoy the new package and improved condition of service approved.
The governors reportedly insisted that since education is on the concurrent list, the federal government ought to have sought their input, adding that the major challenge facing them is how to get funds to implement the new welfare package.
The report also noted that the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) might meet with the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, on how to address the challenges associated with the new package.
Some governors were said to be pushing for an amendment to the Universal Basic Education Act to free more cash for states to enable them to pay the new salary.
The governors alleged that the federal government did not take into consideration that some states had already placed their teachers on the special salary scale, claiming that in some states, teachers have risen to the level of permanent secretary.
A top source said although the governors agreed that teachers needed a better package, there ought to have been harmonisation of the existing welfare structure at the state level with the federal government’s comprehensive proposals before the pronouncement was made.
“Some governors joined issues with the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu on why he did not consult the states before advising the government to unfold the incentives.
“The minister assured the governors that President Muhammadu Buhari meant well. He said he will dialogue with the NGF on the implementation of the policy.
”The report also said that a governor, who spoke, said the new welfare package may not take off immediately as proposed by the federal government.
He said: “The new welfare package may not take off immediately as proposed because it requires an amendment to some laws in the country.
“There was no due diligence before the package was unfolded”.
“For example, the Minister said the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND) will now fund teaching practice in universities and colleges of education, special salary scale for teachers in basic and secondary schools including provisions for rural posting allowance, science teachers allowance and peculiar allowance