Plateau Teachers Demand Better Pay and Working Conditions

Teachers in Plateau's private schools are expressing their frustrations over poor remuneration, with some earning as little as ₦15,000 after 15 years of service. Many educators, including Ezekiel Atang and Ishaya Bitson, report stagnant salaries that have not been reviewed for five to ten years, often seeing increments of less than 10%.

The challenging economic climate has exacerbated the situation, with teachers working long hours from 7 am to 3 pm, teaching multiple classes, and often engaging in manual labor on weekends to supplement their incomes. The lack of support from school proprietors and the urgent need for better working conditions are highlighted as critical issues affecting the quality of education.

The Plateau State Ministry of Education acknowledges the limitations in regulating private school salaries, indicating a need for systemic change to improve teacher welfare and educational outcomes.