A group of concerned citizens in Plateau State has called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to urgently address the welfare of primary school teachers, saying the educators have endured years of neglect despite the critical role they play in shaping the future of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Nanshak Andrew said the appeal was not intended to attack the government but to draw attention to the plight of teachers whose sacrifices have gone largely unrewarded over the years.
In an open letter to the governor, the group described teachers as the foundation of every profession, stressing that every governor, doctor, engineer, lawyer and judge once passed through the hands of a classroom teacher.
The group lamented that many primary school teachers continue to work under difficult conditions, citing poor remuneration, delayed promotions and inadequate welfare as factors gradually eroding the dignity of the teaching profession.
According to the letter, teachers employed under the Local Government Councils have allegedly remained on what it described as “half salary” since the administration of former Governor Jonah Jang, when the arrangement was introduced pending improved allocations from the Federation Account.
The group alleged that despite successive administrations, little has changed, leaving teachers to grapple with the country’s harsh economic realities while remaining committed to their duties.
To illustrate the situation, Mr. Andrew cited the case of a university graduate with about 24 years of service who reportedly earns about ₦94,000 monthly on Grade Level 12.
“Can a teacher adequately provide for a family, educate children, pay rent, afford healthcare and meet other essential needs on such an income in today’s economy?” the letter asked.
The group further claimed that although the teacher was recently promoted to Grade Level 14, the promotion is yet to be implemented, leaving the beneficiary uncertain about when the salary adjustment will take effect.
It also alleged that annual salary increments have remained stalled for years, while promotions are often delayed for between six and ten years before letters are eventually issued without financial implementation. The group added that while other Local Government workers reportedly began enjoying the benefits of similar promotions from November 2025, primary school teachers have yet to receive theirs.
Mr. Andrew said the teachers were demanding immediate government intervention in the following areas:
- Immediate implementation of all outstanding promotions for affected primary school teachers.
- Payment of all arrears arising from the delayed implementation of promotions.
- Review of the current salary template, which the group argued is inconsistent with that of the Plateau State Civil Service.
- Upward review of teachers’ basic salaries to align with those of state civil servants, while allowing differences only in applicable allowances.
The group also urged the government to restore annual salary increments, strengthen teachers’ welfare, and invest in regular capacity-building programmes to improve the quality of education across the state.
Mr. Andrew recalled that Governor Mutfwang had promised to address the challenges confronting primary school teachers but expressed disappointment that no significant action had been taken.
He further alleged that some government appointees and administrators were frustrating efforts by teachers to reach the appropriate authorities, forcing the group to resort to an open letter.
“History will remember leaders not only for the roads they built but also for the lives they transformed. Our teachers deserve respect. They deserve dignity. Above all, they deserve justice,” the letter concluded.
