Cross River Teachers Demand Significant Welfare Improvements and Funding Boost
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Cross River State has issued a strong appeal to the state government, demanding better welfare and a substantial increase in funding for the education sector to boost teacher productivity and revitalise the state’s schooling system.
The demands were presented by the union’s chairman, Comrade Gregory Olayi, during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Calabar.
At the core of the union’s request is a call to dramatically increase the state’s annual education budget allocation from the current 15 per cent to 26 per cent. This higher figure aligns with international benchmarks suggested for developing nations.
Pay Parity and Career Advancement
Beyond funding, the NUT is focused on career progression and salary parity. The union is demanding the promotion of teachers to Grade Level 17, which is the highest level within the civil service structure. They also requested that qualified teachers be appointed as permanent secretaries, noting that similar career advancements are already standard practice in neighbouring states, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers.
Olayi stressed that meeting these demands is essential for improving teacher morale and productivity. Other key welfare issues highlighted were the prompt payment of salaries for primary school teachers and the immediate release of the approved education budget.
Addressing the Manpower Crisis
The union also pointed to a growing teacher shortage crisis. According to the NUT, the education sector faces significant vacancies following the loss of approximately 300 teachers—200 from secondary schools and 100 from primary schools—who have moved to the mainstream civil service. The union urged the state government to urgently recruit new personnel to fill these gaps and prevent a decline in teaching standards.
Responding to the union’s call, Governor Bassey Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Stephen Odey, assured the teaching community of the government’s commitment. The Governor confirmed that arrangements are underway to establish an education trust fund specifically designed to support teachers in the state. Furthermore, he promised a “radical transformation” within the Secondary Education Board that would be directly beneficial to those in the teaching profession, underscoring the state’s commitment to making the career more appealing.
