NUT Defends ₦5,000 Identity Card Deduction, Says Decision Was Collective.

NUT Defends ₦5,000 Identity Card Deduction, Says Decision Was Collective.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Taraba State Wing, Nathan Solomon, has defended the ₦5,000 deduction from teachers for the production of identity cards, saying the decision was collectively reached by the union’s branches in 2024.

Solomon made this known at a press conference in Jalingo, where he explained that the initiative was introduced to address challenges facing teachers and assist the government in obtaining accurate data on teachers in primary schools across the state.

According to him, the decision was reached on March 26, 2024, to produce authentic identity cards with scientific security features capable of capturing teachers’ details and preventing forgery.

He said the identity cards would also help the government properly identify teachers and facilitate the payment of outstanding salary arrears and other entitlements.

The NUT chairman explained that during a meeting between Governor Agbu Kefas and teachers at the conference hall, a register meant for head teachers and principals revealed discrepancies between the number of schools and the number of registered principals and head teachers.

He said the development made it difficult for the government to accurately determine the number of teachers and schools and, consequently, affected the planning and release of funds for educational projects.

Solomon said the union therefore decided to support the government by helping to establish an accurate database of teachers and schools, stressing that teachers’ cooperation was necessary for the initiative to succeed.

He also expressed dismay over what he described as insults directed at the NUT leadership by individuals who, according to him, were not teachers.

He condemned such actions, stressing that the union remained committed to protecting the welfare and interests of teachers in Taraba State.

Solomon added that the NUT had played its part in improving the welfare of teachers, noting that teachers in the state currently enjoy the Teachers Salary Structure.