NUT: Union tells FG to employ professionals only

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has reacted to the recent resolve of the Federal Government to employ 500,000 teachers, in order to combat unemployment in the country.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has reacted to the recent resolve of the Federal Government to employ 500,000 teachers, in order to combat unemployment in the country.

The teachers' union commended the federal government's plan but cautioned that the employment scheme should not be used as a means for political patronage. The NUT also warned that the government should employ only professionals in the field.

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The union disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja by its Secretary General, Obong Ikpe Obong. The secreatry applauded the government for recognising the shortage of manpower in the sector but advocated for professionalism.

“This planned policy of the Federal Government should only accommodate professional teachers – graduate teachers and NCE holders and not quacks and personnel who have not been duly trained as teachers no matter their qualifications.”

“The NUT will support the Federal Government in the actualisation of this policy but wishes to caution the government against the temptation of using this policy as a means of compensation for political patronage as it was the practice in the past.”

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The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Igige, recently revealed that the Federal Government has finalized plans to recruit 500,000 teachers to curb unemployment in the country.