Teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Plateau State on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest in Jos, calling for urgent government intervention to address insecurity and other challenges affecting educators across the country.
The protesters, carrying placards with different inscriptions, marched through major streets of Jos before proceeding to the Government House in Rayfield, where they submitted a letter containing their demands to the state government.
Speaking during the protest, the Plateau State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Elisha Haruna, said the demonstration was aimed at showing solidarity with teachers and students who have become victims of insecurity, particularly kidnapping.
According to him, several teachers in states such as Borno, Yobe, Plateau and Oyo have been affected by the growing wave of abductions, with some still in captivity.
“We are here in solidarity with all our members who are victims of kidnapping, especially our members in Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Oyo and other states who are presently in the hands of kidnappers,” Haruna said.
He expressed concern that the worsening security situation has made schools unsafe for both teachers and learners, thereby affecting effective teaching and learning.
Haruna urged the Federal Government to take decisive measures to tackle insecurity and ensure the safety of teachers across the country.
“We are urging the Federal Government to take decisive action to address the security challenges confronting teachers because we can no longer feel safe in our classrooms,” he stated.
Beyond insecurity, the union leader highlighted challenges facing teachers in Plateau State, including delays in promotions and a shortage of teaching personnel in public schools.
He called on the state government to address the issues to improve the welfare and productivity of teachers.
Receiving the protest letter on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration, the Special Adviser on Security, retired Brigadier General Gakji Shipi, commended the teachers for conducting a peaceful demonstration.
Shipi assured the protesters that the state government would carefully study their demands and take necessary steps to address the concerns raised.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare and strengthening efforts to tackle security challenges across the state.
