Children’s Learning at Risk? Sokoto Parents Demand N100,000 Minimum Teacher Salary
The parents of pupils at the Federal Government College (FGC) Staff School, Sokoto, have urged the government to improve the welfare of teachers as failure to do so could undermine the standard of education and right to development of children.
During the Annual General Meeting of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in the school, parents called for the increment of teachers minimum monthly pay from N60,000 to N100,000, adding N30,000 for the lesson allowances, saying the move would motivate teachers to perform better.
The adequate support of teachers is likely to provide quality learning experiences for children, said PTA Chairman Jamilu Sidi. He said that inadequate welfare conditions may lead to a decrease in teachers’ productivity and have a negative impact on pupils’ academic results.
Parents pointed out that some teachers had been in service for over 20 years and were given what they considered to be low wages. They called on the school authorities to emphasise teacher welfare as a part of efforts to create a conducive learning environment.
Quality education is highly related to the wellbeing, motivation and capacity of teachers from a child protection and development point of view. Classroom engagement, learning outcomes and children’s developmental potential can be impacted by poor working conditions.
The PTA also urged for increased transparency by the school in making decisions, such as adjusting fees, and emphasized measures to enhance the learning experience, including teacher development programs and support.
Education stakeholders call for investments in teachers, which are investments in children, noting that well-supported teachers are a critical component of ensuring every child’s right to quality education and development.
