Plateau teachers protest insecurity, demand government action on kidnappings and local challenges

Teachers in Plateau State, Nigeria, took to the streets Tuesday to protest against widespread insecurity and other challenges impacting their profession. Under the banner of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), demonstrators marched through Jos, culminating at the Government House to present a letter of demands to state officials.

“

We are here in solidarity with all our members who are victims of kidnapping, most especially our members in Borno State, Yobe, Plateau, Oyo and other places who are presently in the den of kidnappers.

Elisha Haruna, the NUT Chairman for Plateau State, stated the protest was in solidarity with colleagues facing security threats across the country, particularly those kidnapped in Borno, Yobe, Plateau, and Oyo states. He emphasized that escalating insecurity has rendered classrooms unsafe for both educators and students, urging the federal government to address these critical issues.

Beyond national security concerns, the teachers also highlighted local challenges requiring urgent attention from the state government. These include issues such as a lack of timely promotions and an inadequate number of teachers, which hinder effective teaching and learning environments.

“

We are here to protest, and we are urging the federal government to do something with respect to these challenges we are facing in our jobs because we can no longer feel safe in our classrooms.

Government officials, led by Brigadier General Gakji Shipi (retd.), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, received the protest letter. Shipi commended the teachers for their peaceful conduct and assured them that their demands would be thoroughly reviewed and addressed.

“

Also, we have our challenges even here at the local level, and we want to present these challenges to the state government so that they can be addressed for effective teaching and learning in our classrooms.