The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Kwara State chapter, has formally appealed to the state government to urgently resolve the outstanding welfare issues that are currently affecting public school teachers across the state.

The call was made by the State Chairman, Yusuf Agboola, who was speaking at the 2025 World Teachers' Day celebration held on Sunday at the union's main conference hall, located on Asa Dam Road, Ilorin. Agboola issued a strong caution, stating that the future of education within the state would remain precarious if teachers are not adequately motivated and given the necessary support.

Agboola did take time to commend the state government for its efforts in several areas. He praised the administration for the regular disbursement of salaries, the financial approval for the 2023 and 2024 promotions of TESCOM teachers, and the recruitment of over 3,000 teachers across both basic and senior secondary schools.

He nonetheless expressed regret, highlighting that critical teacher welfare matters still remain completely unattended to by the government.

According to him, "The 27.5 per cent Teachers Specific Allowance for TRCN-certified teachers and 21 per cent for non-TRCN-certified teachers have not been implemented in Kwara.

"The government has also not keyed into the 65/40 years national harmonised retirement age for teachers, and rural allowances for those teaching in remote areas remain outstanding."

The NUT chairman stressed that teachers could only give their best if equipped and respected.

"The children in our classrooms today are the leaders of tomorrow," he said. "But for us to deliver optimally, we must be motivated and supported. Education is not a one-man show; it requires a system and a united teaching force."

Agboola further urged teachers to embrace collaboration and mentorship to reposition the profession. "Let us recommit ourselves to unity within the teaching profession, foster mentorship between senior and junior teachers and create platforms for peer learning and innovation," he added.

In his goodwill message, the NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, represented by Comrade Dayo Ajala, called on governments to adequately fund public education and invest in teachers.

"Without deliberate investment in teachers, the future of education is at risk," Amba said. "Governments must increase budgetary allocation to education and create a conducive learning atmosphere to ensure quality outcomes."

He saluted the resilience of teachers in Kwara, commending their sacrifices despite challenges.

"Comrades, I commend your courage, resilience and patriotism in discharging your duties. Be assured that your success is our priority. We will continue to demand that teachers are accorded their rightful status and pride of place in society," he added.

Amba also stressed that teachers must be empowered beyond classroom instruction.

"The role of teachers has evolved beyond just delivering lessons. Teachers must be empowered to collaborate, innovate and influence education policies. The future of our nation is in their hands, and how we treat them today will determine our tomorrow," he said.

Reacting, the Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, represented by the UNESCO desk officer at the Odedeji Taye, said the government was already working to ensure teachers' welfare was fully protected.

According to him, "The administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq places education and teachers' welfare at the centre of its policies. We have taken bold steps in regular salary payments, recruitment of thousands of teachers, and promotions across the sector.

"The government is studying the issues raised by NUT, including allowances and retirement age. I want to assure our teachers that these matters are not being ignored. Our goal is to build a motivated workforce that will deliver the quality education Kwara deserves."

Olohungbebe added that the government would continue to engage with the union to find practical solutions that benefit both teachers and the education system.

The event, themed "Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession: Together for Teachers; Together for Tomorrow", featured a lecture delivered by Professor Lanre Olukunmi Olaitan, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin.