By Ayomide Otitoju
Teachers in Oyo State have lauded Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for the prompt payment of salaries, recruitment of new teachers, career progression initiatives, and the promotion of primary school teachers to Grade Level 16. They also praised the appointment of a teacher as the Executive Chairperson of the Oyo State Post-Primary Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).
Speaking during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Ibadan on Sunday, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, Comrade Raji Oladimeji Ismail, commended the governor’s “magnanimity and commitment to education,” which he said had yielded significant achievements within the teaching sector.
Raji applauded the state government for removing the six-year promotion delay that previously affected primary school teachers, describing it as a major milestone achieved through NUT’s persistent advocacy. He also noted the creation of 10 new TESCOM zonal offices and the appointment of teachers as Permanent Secretaries and Tutor Generals to head them.
The NUT Chairman added that his administration has strengthened welfare initiatives for teachers, with the state government reviewing upwardly the car and housing loan packages available to members.
However, he pointed out lingering challenges, including inadequate education funding, infrastructural deficits, and the need for continuous professional development.
“We appeal to the government to expedite action on the long-standing request for inter-zonal transfers and to hasten the release of running grants to school heads to ensure smooth operations,” Raji said.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, announced that approval for the 2023/2024 promotion letters for primary school teachers has been received from the Civil Service Commission, with the letters currently being processed.
Adeniran also disclosed that Governor Makinde has approved the inter-zonal transfer of 2005 teachers back to their preferred Local Government Universal Basic Education Authorities (LGUBEAs). He assured that efforts are ongoing to compile and finalize the list.
“The Board has been working closely with NUT, AOPSHON, and other stakeholders to safeguard teachers’ welfare,” Adeniran said, adding that the governor has also approved the integration of remaining seconded teachers into the TESCOM employment structure.
He urged teachers, particularly new recruits, to adhere to public service rules and avoid airing administrative grievances on social media.
“There are proper channels to address complaints; administrative issues should not be taken to the public space,” he cautioned.
The National President of NUT, Comrade Audi Titus Amba, represented by Comrade Shaibu Olayinka Yisa, commended Governor Makinde’s support for education reforms and lauded Oyo NUT leadership for their dedication.
He said this year’s theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” emphasizes building a resilient and inclusive education system through cooperation among stakeholders.
The event, chaired by the Osi Olubadan-designate, HRM Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, was attended by prominent figures including NLC Chairman, Comrade Kayode Martins, and Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Segun Abatan, among others.
