Borno State Government Under Prof Zulum Pays Teachers N10,000 As Salary, Forces Them Into Hardship

Under the administration of Borno State Governor Prof Babagana Zulum, primary school teachers in the southern part of the state are reportedly facing severe financial hardship, with monthly salaries as low as N7,500 for teachers and N10,000 for headmasters. Southern Borno encompasses eight Local Government Areas, including Askira-Uba, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza, Hawul, Kwaya-Kusar, and Shani.

Numerous teachers from Chibok, Askira-Uba, Gwoza, and Kwaya-Kusar have voiced their struggles, revealing that despite years of service and qualifications, their salaries remain stagnant at meager amounts ranging from N7,500 to N15,000 per month. Some teachers lamented receiving the same pay for years without any increase, regardless of their qualifications or experience.

The disparity in salaries has led to frustration among teachers, with many questioning the reasons behind the unequal pay. Some have even sought explanations from local education authorities but received unsatisfactory responses, leaving them feeling helpless and disillusioned.

In response to these allegations, Borno State Commissioner of Education, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, acknowledged the existence of low salaries but attributed it to disparities that predate the current administration. He explained that previous wage structures varied across local governments, resulting in different pay rates for teachers.

Wakilbe further elaborated on the efforts made by the government to address the issue, including a verification exercise to identify fake certificates among teachers and a competency test to assess teaching skills. As a result, only a fraction of teachers met the required standards and were eligible for a minimum wage increase.

Additionally, the government plans to provide training for thousands of teachers to enhance their skills and qualifications, aiming to improve the quality of education in the state. However, some teachers who do not meet the required standards will still be allowed to continue teaching until they can be adequately trained.

Overall, while the Borno State government acknowledges the challenges faced by teachers in the southern region, it emphasizes its commitment to improving the quality of education through various interventions and training programs.