File photo: Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Kogi State chapter, has called on the state government to urgently restore the suspended 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Allowance and embark on immediate recruitment of qualified teachers.

At a press briefing in Lokoja on Thursday, the union also raised the alarm over rising attacks on schools, warning that the safety of teachers and students was being threatened.

The union added that urgent government action was needed to protect learning environments across the state.

Presenting the communiqué after the State Executive Council meeting, the state Chairman of ASUSS, Emejeh Sunday, said the 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Allowance was agreed upon through a valid Collective Bargaining Agreement to recognise the unique demands of teaching.

“Its restoration will greatly improve teachers’ morale and further demonstrate Government’s commitment to quality education,” the union stated.

ASUSS warned that continued denial of the incentive risks weakening teacher motivation at a time when the sector needs stability the most.

The union expressed deep concern over recurring attacks on schools and host communities. It described the trend as a direct threat to learning.

“Schools are centres of learning and should never become targets of criminal activities. We call on Government and all security agencies to strengthen security around schools through proactive intelligence gathering, community participation and rapid security response,” ASUSS said.

Despite the concerns, ASUSS praised Governor Usman Ododo’s administration for sustaining industrial harmony, improving security across the state, and maintaining what it called a cordial relationship with the workforce.

The union also commended the introduction of the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme, describing it as a major step toward better healthcare for workers and their families.

It urged members who are yet to enrol to do so without delay.

On gratuity, ASUSS acknowledged government efforts to clear outstanding liabilities but appealed for a review of the current payment pattern.

It noted that retirees deserve more substantial and regular payments to cushion the effects of retirement.

The union lamented the acute shortage of teachers in public secondary schools, saying the increasing workload on available personnel is already affecting effective teaching and learning.

To address this, ASUSS called for the immediate recruitment of qualified teachers to fill existing vacancies.

It also proposed a motorcycle loan scheme for teachers posted to rural communities to ease transportation challenges and improve productivity.

Despite the difficult economic conditions, ASUSS commended teachers across the state for their dedication and commitment. The union assured the government of its readiness to continue engaging constructively.

“We remain committed to constructive engagement, mutual respect and dialogue as the best means of addressing issues affecting teachers and the education sector,” the union said.

The union expressed confidence that the government would give urgent attention to its demands in the interest of teachers, students and the future of education in Kogi State.