Delta teachers demand more staff, others

The Nigeria Union of Teachers, Delta State Wing, has called on the state government to address teacher shortages, insecurity and inadequate teaching materials in public schools.

The NUT State Chairman, Dickson Poubeni, made the call on Monday at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Cenotaph Ground in Asaba.

Poubeni said improved salaries and career progression for teachers would have greater impact if the government also addressed the conditions under which they worked.

“We are grateful that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has addressed this long-standing issue,” he said, referring to the approval of Grade Level 17 career progression for eligible university graduate teachers in public primary schools.

The NUT chairman said the approval had ended the long-standing stagnation of graduate primary school teachers at Grade Level 14.

He, however, listed seven areas requiring urgent attention, including shortages of teachers in primary and secondary schools, inadequate security in schools and a shortage of instructional materials.

Poubeni also called for the inclusion of the NUT in the governing councils of state-owned educational institutions.

He urged the government to address the non-replacement of retired secondary school principals who had been appointed as permanent secretaries, as well as concerns surrounding the ongoing screening of teachers.

The union also raised concerns over inadequate subvention for school heads, saying the challenges affected the quality of teaching and learning.

Poubeni called for improved security through adequate perimeter fencing and the deployment of security personnel to schools.

Responding to the concerns, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Technical Education, Smart Ijeoma Ufoh, said his administration was working to improve teachers’ welfare, training and working conditions.

Oborevwori said the government had approved Grade Level 17 career progression for qualified graduate teachers in public primary schools.

He also said the state had approved a 13th-month salary for public servants, including teachers, while legislation was being pursued to make the payment a statutory entitlement.

“But supporting teachers is not only about salaries. It is also about training, better working conditions and providing them with the tools they need to teach effectively,” the governor said.

He added that the government was recruiting more teachers, particularly in science subjects, while also investing in continuous professional training.

The governor said the state was working with the Universal Basic Education Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board to improve school facilities and learning environments.

“Our commitment is simple: better support for our teachers and better learning opportunities for our children,” he said.

Oborevwori commended teachers for their sacrifices and urged them to uphold the dignity of the profession.

“Your welfare matters to this government. Your dignity matters, and the work you do matters,” he added.

He also called on parents, communities and other stakeholders to support teachers, describing education as a shared responsibility.

The 2026 World Teachers’ Day theme is “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Future.”