Delta Primary School Teachers Protest Alleged Extortion by NUT

Delta Primary School Teachers Protest Alleged Extortion by NUT

Primary school teachers in Delta State have urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene against what they describe as unfair policies and extortion practices by the executives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Delta State chapter.

The teachers raised concerns over an unlawful deduction of N5,000 from their salaries for the production of identity cards, which they claim has been imposed on them. They accused the NUT executives of mistreatment, particularly in comparison to how secondary school teachers are treated.

In a circular sent to school heads, the NUT referenced a request letter dated September 26, 2024, which directed the production of identity cards for all staff of the Local Education Authority. Another circular, dated October 16, 2024, addressed to local government chairpersons, discussed the identity card production for primary school teaching and non-teaching staff.

The letter from NUT State Secretary Dan Basime outlined the plan for the identity card production, stating that the cost would be deducted directly from teachers’ salaries. The deduction would occur in two phases: N2,500 in October 2024 and N2,500 in November 2024.

Teachers expressed their frustration, questioning the necessity of a N5,000 deduction during a time when economic pressures are significant. They asked, “What is the cost of producing identity cards, especially in bulk, and why do they continually tamper with primary school teachers’ salaries?”

They further questioned the role of the NUT executives, asking whether they were elected to serve teachers’ interests or to exploit them. The teachers also lamented the delay in receiving promised arrears from the state government, suggesting that this delay was part of a broader pattern of financial mismanagement affecting their earnings.

“Our secondary school colleagues have received their full payments—why are we treated differently?” the visibly upset teachers queried.