THE Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has one of the most impressive record in managing workers and ensuring that they get the best deal for a rewarding work-life balance.
Governor Obaseki’s policy designs are not driven by mimicry or tokenism, nor is he given to the phantasmagoria of making hollow promises just to win elections.
The governor’s record of good governance can withstand any scrutiny.
On teachers’ welfare, here is the factual timeline. You can google and verify, if in doubt.
Oct 2017 – Governor Obaseki approves N25k minimum wage promised by the previous administration to be implemented.
Jan. 2018/19 – FGN announces N30k Minimum Wage, EDSG adopted the new rate and made it applicable to Teachers and Civil Servants. This added an additional #150million monthly to the State’s Wage bill.
2018 – Governor Obaseki restored the Teacher Special Allowance that was stopped in 2012. The governor also implemented the 30% additional allowance for Special Education Teachers and also approving tax-break for teachers who are disabled. The restored TSA has led to increase in Teachers’ salary so much so that a level 8/9 primary school teacher earns over N80k a month as salary. Levels 14 and up earn over N140k a month as salary.
2018 – Governor Obaseki cleared all backlog of promotions owed to teachers from 2013 to 2016. Today, promotions are up to date. The cost implication was an additional N300million on the monthly wage bill.
2018 – Governor Obaseki gifted an outstanding Headmistress a brand new house and nominated her for National Honors. Today she holds a OON award.
2019 – Governor Obaseki also restored Leave Transport Grant (LTG), a lump sum allowance paid on the anniversary of a teacher’s employment. This had been stopped in 2012.
2019 – Governor Obaseki restored monthly subventions to primary schools.
2019 – Governor Obaseki approves the recruitment of 3000 teachers.
2019 – Governor Obaseki approves the removal of grade level barriers. This made it possible for teachers to become Permanent Secretaries.
2022 – Governor Obaseki approves the recruitment of 1,500 Secondary School teachers. The combined wage bill of these recruitments is over N1billion.
2022 – Governor Obaseki gifted a Secondary School teacher with a brand new house.
2023 – The governor has extended retirement age of teachers to 40 years or 65 years of age. This has cost implications. A responsible government will need to make sure it has resources to cover the cost implications. This is not an exercise that takes one week. It takes time because it is a tedious task that requires factual financial forecasting and data analysis.
Lets keep progress in power!
*Vote all PDP candidates in the Edo State House of Assembly election!
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