The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools in Kogi State has called for stronger security around schools amid continuing attacks on educational institutions.
In a communiqué issued after a meeting of its executive council, the union said schools should remain safe centres of learning and urged government and security agencies to improve preventive intelligence and protection.
ASUSS commended Governor Usman Ododo’s administration for efforts to improve security and maintain industrial harmony with workers.
The union, however, asked the state government to restore the 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Allowance, arguing that the payment arose from a negotiated agreement and would improve morale.
It also welcomed the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme and urged teachers who had not enrolled to do so.
The union raised concern over what it described as piecemeal gratuity payments to retirees and asked the government to settle obligations in more substantial batches.
ASUSS also warned that acute teacher shortages were putting pressure on existing staff and affecting the quality of teaching.
It called for urgent recruitment of qualified teachers across public secondary schools.
For teachers serving in rural areas, the union proposed a motorcycle loan scheme to improve mobility, punctuality and productivity.
ASUSS pledged continued cooperation with the state government and said dialogue remained the best way to resolve issues affecting teachers and secondary education.
