The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Cross River State has called on the government to raise funding for the education sector from 15% to 26% of the state budget.
State NUT chairman, Gregory Olayi, appealed for World Teachers’ Day celebrations at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar. He also pressed for the promotion of teachers to Grade Level 17 and their appointment as permanent secretaries, citing similar policies in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states.
Olayi highlighted challenges, including teacher shortages, the need to employ more staff in primary and secondary schools, the release of education funds, and the prompt payment of salaries for primary school teachers. He said about 300 teachers had left classrooms for other government postings, creating further gaps.
In response, Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Education Commissioner Stephen Odey, pledged support for teachers and announced plans for an education trust fund to provide financial relief.
Odey said reforms were underway at the Secondary Education Board to make teaching more attractive in the state.
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