- Says We’re Disciplined Profession
BY PATRICK MGBODO/ EBI NIEKETIEN
Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Delta State Wing, Comrade Titus Okotie, has warned primary and secondary school teachers across the state, particularly those in rural areas, that the union will not back any non-performing teacher.
Addressing concerns about the quality of education, especially in rural communities during an interview with The Pointer, Okotie expressed the union’s dissatisfaction with reports of laxity and non-performance among some teachers.
He emphasized that the NUT will not tolerate such behaviours, urging teachers to prioritize their responsibilities and maintain professional discipline, wherever they are posted to.
According to him, “Recently, different heads of schools submitted list of teachers who are lousy and not regular at school to the ministry. Most of them were invited to Asaba, and they wrote an undertaking,” Okotie said.
He explained that the NUT has implemented measures to curb the trend, including salary deductions for non-compliant teachers.
“There is what we call laxity form. Any teacher who is not regular at work would have certain amounts deducted from his or her salary. This is one of the measures we have taken. With that, I am sure teachers will sit tight and face their jobs,” he added.
Okotie reaffirmed the union’s commitment to maintaining discipline, stating, “Anybody who has been following up on the activities of the NUT knows that we do not take nonsense for an excuse. We are a disciplined organization.”
Highlighting the critical role of teachers, he remarked, “When you find yourself as a teacher and you know that the raw materials you are dealing with are very delicate, you don’t need to be told how to handle them. You cannot say you have a conscience as a teacher and leave the children you are meant to teach roam the streets.”
While acknowledging the challenges faced by monitoring agencies, Okotie urged them to carry out their duties diligently in monitoring and addressing cases of absenteeism.
The union’s stance underscores ongoing efforts to improve the education sector and ensure that all students, regardless of their location, receive consistent and quality education.
