The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Rivers State chapter, has sounded the alarm over the acute shortage of teachers in schools across the state, warning that at least 15,000 new teachers are urgently needed to address the crisis. Dr. Collins Echekpu, the State NUT Chairman, made this startling revelation in an exclusive interview with journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
According to Echekpu, the shortage of teachers is a pressing issue that affects primary, senior secondary, and junior secondary schools across the state, leaving classrooms empty and students without instruction. He emphasized that the state government must intervene to address this critical shortage, which threatens to undermine the education sector in Rivers State.
“We are facing a severe shortage of teachers, and it’s a crisis that requires immediate attention,” Echekpu said. “We need 15,000 new teachers to fill the gap in our schools. This includes 5,000 teachers for primary schools, 5,000 for senior secondary schools, and 5,000 for junior secondary schools.”
It is worth noting that Echekpu painted a grim picture of the situation, stating that classrooms remain empty due to the lack of teachers. He urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to take decisive action to address the shortage, emphasizing that the situation is not political but a reality that affects every community in Rivers State.
The NUT chairman also called for the implementation of the new retirement age of 65 years and 45 years of service for teachers in the state, a policy that has already been adopted by other states. He argued that this would help to retain experienced teachers and attract new ones to the profession.
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In addition to the shortage of teachers, Echekpu highlighted other challenges facing the education sector in Rivers State, including the need for better office furniture for headteachers and principals, desks for students, and writing materials for teachers.
“The government has made efforts to provide promotions and other benefits for teachers, but the teachers are not there,” Echekpu said. “We need to address the root causes of this crisis, and that includes providing the necessary resources and support for our teachers.”
It bears mentioning that the NUT chairman’s call for action comes as schools resume for a new session, with students eager to learn but facing the reality of empty classrooms and absent teachers. For those close to the matter, the situation is a wake-up call for the state government to prioritize education and address the critical shortage of teachers in Rivers State.
