Nigeria Union of Teachers, Abia State wing says it has temporarily withheld its planned strike action in the state, saying the decision is to allow the negotiation initiated by the state government to yield fruit.
NUT had given Abia State government ultimatum to address issues of Teachers Salary Structure, alleged premature retirement and issues concerning alleged discrepancy in monthly imprest for Principals and head teachers.
Speaking after its meeting on Wednesday, the NUT in Abia explained that it met with the representatives of Abia State government where grievances raised about the plights of teachers in public basic and secondary schools in the State were discussed.
In a statement signed by Nnenna Okonkwo, NUT Secretary in Abia, the Union said Governor Alex Otti is not the problem of teachers in the state as according to NUT, he has been teachers-friendly.
The statement read in part: “It was agreed that in the interest of good faith and to give room for further negotiations, we shall temporarily withhold the commencement of the planned strike action.
“The state government has requested additional time to address our concerns and we have accepted this proposal. We believe this gesture will facilitate meaningful dialogue and potentially lead to mutual beneficial solutions”, Okonkwo explained.
The NUT restated its determination to ensure the welfare of Abia teachers and the quality of education in the State while appreciating the State government for making itself available for negotiation.
