The Nigeria Union of Teachers, Rivers State Chapter, has expressed worry about the teacher shortage in schools across the state, claiming that at least 15,000 teachers are urgently needed.
Dr Collins Echekpu, the State NUT Chairman, disclosed this in a conversation with journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Echekpu indicated that the number was essential to alleviate the state’s teacher shortage in primary, senior secondary, and junior secondary schools, and he urged the state government to intervene.
He said, “We had many challenges before schools went on vacation, and by the grace of God, through the intervention of the NUT, the government has been able to set up the boards and address some of them. However, the most pressing issue we face is the lack of teachers.
“As I speak to you now, there are no teachers, and the classrooms are empty. I am still appealing to the government, although they have promised to do something about it. Now that schools have resumed and are in session, it is like a moving train – you can’t stop it unless you are on it. The only break is during holidays.
“So, I am expecting the government to provide 15,000 teachers: 5,000 for primary schools, 5,000 for senior secondary schools, and 5,000 for junior secondary schools. That’s why I am requesting 15,000 teachers for Rivers State.”
Echekpu emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that classrooms remain empty due to a lack of teachers.
He also encouraged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to implement a new retirement age of 65 years and 45 years of service for state teachers.
“The classrooms are empty. You can go and conduct your investigation. There is no politics in this; everyone is aware. There are primary and secondary schools in every community in Rivers State, so it’s not a case of political bias.
“The government has made efforts to provide promotions and other benefits, but the teachers are not there,” he said. When asked about other challenges in the education sector, Echekpu called for the provision of better office furniture for headteachers and principals to help them manage their schools effectively.
“In some remote schools, students are sitting on the floor, so the government should provide desks for the students. Teachers also need tables, chairs, and writing materials. Another crucial issue is the new retirement age for teachers in Nigeria. Other states have already implemented it.
“The new retirement age is very important to us. We need it. Teachers are clamouring for it – the new retirement age of 65 years and 45 years of service,” Echekpu added.
