The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Ireti Kingibe, on Friday, decried the non-payment of salaries of primary school teachers in the nation’s capital.
Senator Kingibe while commenting on the ugly development, lamented the plights of the protesting teachers, calling on the relevant authorities to immediately address the matter.
The lawmaker was prompted to speak on the issue, following the prolonged non-payment of salaries of primary school teachers in the FCT and the concomitant protest embarked upon by the affected teachers.
She said that it was unacceptable that primary school teachers entrusted with the foundational education of the children, who are the future leaders are being neglected in this manner.
The statement reads: “I am deeply troubled by the ongoing protest by primary school teachers under the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board, who have been forced to take to the streets due to the prolonged non-payment of their entitlements.
“It is unacceptable that individuals entrusted with the foundational education of our children our future are being neglected in this manner. Many of these teachers have not received their promotion arrears, leave grants, and peculiar allowances since 2021. This is not just an administrative failure; it is a moral failure.
“I call on the FCT Administration, the Area Councils, and all relevant agencies to do everything necessary to rectify the situation without further delay. Teachers are not beggars. They are nation-builders, and they deserve to be treated with the dignity and respect their role demands.
“Let me be very clear: this situation *cannot* be allowed to persist. I am committed to using my office to push for the immediate resolution of this matter and will continue to engage the necessary authorities until the rights of these teachers are fully restored.
“Our children deserve quality education, and that starts with motivated, supported, and fairly treated teachers. I urge all relevant offices to act now before this issue causes deeper harm to the educational fabric of the FCT.”
