NUT Slams New Education Policy, Threatens Nationwide Action Over Teachers’ Welfare

The Nigeria Union of Teachers, Cross River State chapter, has rejected a new education policy introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education, describing it as anti-education and harmful to the teaching profession.

The policy reportedly prevents candidates seeking admission to study education courses in tertiary institutions from participating in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Speaking in Calabar, the state chairman of the union, Gregory Olayi, said the union’s national leadership had reviewed the policy and resolved to resist any move capable of weakening the education sector.

Olayi criticised plans to allow entry into the teaching profession without proper examinations, warning that such a move could lower educational standards.

“If you allow everybody into the system without examinations or proper testing, the teaching profession will become worse,” he said.

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He also accused the Federal Ministry of Education of failing to consult key stakeholders, including teachers’ unions, before introducing the policy.

According to him, governments have consistently failed to treat teaching as a respected profession, leading to declining interest in colleges of education and university education faculties.

The NUT chairman lamented the poor welfare and unemployment facing trained teachers, noting that many graduates now resort to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations to survive.

He further decried the poor condition of schools and lack of basic facilities, saying the situation discourages young people from joining the profession.

The union warned that teachers in Cross River State could embark on strike action if directed by the national leadership, while also demanding improved salaries, housing schemes, rural allowances and better welfare packages for teachers.

“A teacher is a role model and the foundation of future leadership. The profession must be protected,” Olayi stated