The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey Ph D, today received the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Cross River State Wing, in his office on a courtesy call.
The Union members and their Executives, led by their Chairman, Comrade (Amb.) Gregory Olayi, FNHR, congratulated the Commissioner for his well deserved appointment, also thanking His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, for giving the Education sector the best hand.
The Union’s chairman thanked the Commissioner for accommodating and giving fair hearing to everyone, leaving no room for doubt. While listing some challenges faced by the Union namely: inadequate teachers in the state public schools, non-implementation of promotions of teachers, elongation and tenureship of Principals and Vice Principals/Head Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers, teachers amongst others. The NUT is seeking proper synergy and clarification with the Ministry of Education for harmonisation and pray for God’s guidance through his tenure.
The Commissioner and other management staff warmly received the NUT members and thanked them for the timely call .
Reacting to the Union’s challenges and the earlier petition written by the Union against the Ministry, the Commissioner, insisted that the issues raised in the petition were baseless and frivolous, stating that the Union never came to him for clarification before writing such petition, on the issues faced by the Union, the Commissioner had already placed an embargo on posting and transfers of Principals and Head Teachers, and all posting made was done by the Director of Administration -Secondary Education Board, without the consent of the Commissioner, which the Director has been duly queried.
The Commissioner, further cautioned the Union not to interfere in the Administrative duties of the Ministry and its MDAs as it has nothing to do with the members Welfare, because we are determined to ensure that teachers are given high priorities.
Furthermore, the Commissioner assured the Union that all the policies and reforms of the ministry is for the benefits of all, as all the issues raised are being addressed and the ones that requires the Governor’s approval are being awaited, urging them to be law abiding as His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, is determined to transform the Education sector in Cross River State to meet global standards.
The Chairman, NUT Cross River Wing and his team thanked the Commissioner for granting them audience and prompt response to issues raised.
The meeting ended on a cheerful note as the Union promised to always collaborate with the Ministry to complement government efforts and take Cross River State Education sector to enviable heights.
