The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Kogi State chapter, has expressed concern over the recurring attacks on schools and educational communities across Nigeria, calling on government and security agencies to adopt proactive measures to safeguard learning environments.
The union made the appeal in a communiqué issued after a meeting of its Executive Council and made available to journalists in Lokoja.
ASUSS noted that schools are centres of learning and development and should not be exposed to criminal activities capable of endangering students, teachers and other stakeholders within the education sector.
The union therefore urged relevant authorities to strengthen security around educational institutions through intelligence gathering, surveillance and other preventive strategies aimed at curbing attacks on schools.
While raising concerns over insecurity, the council commended the Kogi State Government under Governor Usman Ododo for efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security across the state, as well as sustaining a cordial relationship with workers.
The union also appealed to the state government to restore the payment of the 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Allowance (TSA) for secondary school teachers, describing the allowance as a product of a negotiated agreement that recognised the unique demands of the teaching profession.
According to the council, restoring the allowance would boost teachers’ morale and further demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving educational standards.
ASUSS further acknowledged the introduction of the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme, describing it as a positive initiative capable of improving access to quality healthcare for workers and their families.
However, it urged teachers who are yet to enrol in the scheme to do so in order to benefit from its provisions.
The union also expressed concern over the gradual payment of gratuities to retired workers, appealing to government to adopt a more substantial payment structure that would enable retirees to enjoy the benefits of their years of service.
On staffing challenges, the council highlighted an acute shortage of teachers in public secondary schools, warning that the situation is placing additional pressure on existing personnel and affecting teaching and learning outcomes.
ASUSS therefore called on the government to urgently recruit qualified teachers to fill vacancies across the state’s secondary schools.
The union also proposed the establishment of a motorcycle loan scheme for teachers, particularly those serving in rural communities where transportation remains a major challenge.
Despite the challenges identified, ASUSS commended teachers for their resilience, professionalism and commitment to duty, urging them to continue upholding high standards in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The union reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the state government in advancing secondary education through dialogue, mutual respect and constructive engagement.
