The Delta State Chapter of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), has appealed to the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the inclusion of non-teaching staff in public primary and secondary schools in the 5 years elongation of length of service and retirement age from 35 to 40 years and 60 to 65 years respectively, granted teachers in public primary and secondary schools in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Union during a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, the branch chairman of the Union for the Post Primary Education Board (PPEB), Comr. Dr. Austin Akpede said that their request was based on the fact that all staff of the Unified Teaching Service (teaching and non-teaching) were governed by same conditions of service as enshrined in the Edict establishing the Post Primary Education Board and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Comr. Dr. Akpede, who read a statement signed by the State Council Secretary, Comr. Oluchi Amobi, the SUBEB Branch chairman, Comr. Monye Oluchukwu Elkanah and that of himself for the PPEB, described Governor Oborevwori as someone that loves to make everyone happy by ensuring that the law of equity and fairness thrived.
While saying that their roles complimented each other as a good number of their non-teaching staff were made to teach due to dearth of teachers, Comr. Akpede lauded the Governor for his administration’s strides in the education system.
Comr. Dr. Akpede stated that the Governor had continued to impress the state with timely payment of salaries and allowances, prompt release of the Unions’ dues and other deductions, payment of pensioners and engaging of high profile contractors like the Julius Bergers in the the construction of quality roads, drains, bridges and flyovers, regular payment of contractors as well as maintaining peace and security in the state.
He explained that on March 30, 2023, the immediate past Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa approved the elongation of service year and retirement age with five years for teachers in public primary and secondary schools with effect from February 15, 2023.
Responding, the State Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu told them that the state governor was passionate about the welfare of the workforce and assured them that the Ministry would continue partner with relevant bodies to drive the education system to greater heights.
Dr. Ashibogwu advised them to always work as a team and commended them for their contributions in the growth of the education sector.
