Primary School Teachers in Delta State have raised the alarm over what they described as the oppressive imposition and illegal deduction of N5,000 from their salaries for producing an identity card.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) executives, Delta State Wing, are making the deductions.
The circular signed by Dan Basime, State Secretary, NUT Delta State Wing, dated September 26, 2024, and addressed to the Ministry of Local Government Service Commission with the title, “Production of Identity Card For Primary School Teachers” reads;
“I am directed by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Delta State Wing, to officially inform you to commence production of identity cards (ID) for Primary School Teachers as well as the staff of the Local Government Education Authority as discussed.
“I am also to add that the cost of producing the ID will be deducted twice from their salaries at source.”
However, the teachers said it is unfair for the union executives to deduct 5,000 from each teacher in Delta State for an identity card at this time when the economy is struggling.
“What is the cost of producing Identity cards, especially when you are mass producing, and why are they always tempering the primary school teachers’ salaries at will?
“Why were they elected to oversee the activities of the teachers? Why are primary school teachers always the targets of all their policies? Were they elected to extort and punish us or to work for our interest?” they queried
They lamented the deliberate delay of the promised arrears to be paid to teachers by the state government, saying the delay is a result of alleged manipulation of how their monies can be deducted for frivolous purposes.
“Our Secondary school counterparts have been paid, and they were paid completely; why is ours different,” they asked.
Another circular dated October 16, 2024, addressed to Chairmen of local governments, HPM and TLGs with the title; “Production of Identity Cards For Primary School Teaching And Non-Teaching Staff of Local Government Education Authority”, states, “I am directed to refer to the above subject and to notify you of the request letter dated 26th September 2024, with reference number NUT/DSW/ 004/Vol. 7/88, from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Delta State Wing, which issued a directive to carry out the production of identity cards (ID) to all staff of the Local Education Authority.