NUT writes Buhari, says education sector needs turn-around

Former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has congratulated the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on his victory at the recent presidential elections.

Describing him as the last hope of the teachers, the union challenged him to use his mantra of change to “turn-around the education sector.”

The President of NUT, Mr. Michael Alogba; and Secretary-General, Mr. Ikpe Obong, said this in a letter to Buhari and obtained by The PUNCH on Thursday in Abuja.

The NUT said it was particularly happy that Buhari would be “coming on board to make a difference in the governance of our country.

“The fact that you continually profess to change the circumstances of Nigeria if given the opportunity, gives us hope that Nigeria is on the verge of rapid development and signals the beginning of the journey towards an enviable future.

“Our dear President-elect, if there is any sector in Nigeria that needs a drastic change and turn-around, the education sector is the one, particularly the remuneration, welfare and status of Nigerian teachers.

“You remain the last hope of the teachers; for, if you, as a person known for action coupled with your avowed resolve to ensure equity, justice and fairness to all Nigerians would fail to raise the status of teachers of Nigeria and that of the education industry of our country, then no one else will do it.

“In that case, Nigeria would continue to lag behind and wallow in abject poverty, following the weak foundation bestowed on it consequent upon the neglect of our education industry. Herein lies the great challenge of your Presidency and you must not fail.”