By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education in Ebonyi State, Prof. Paul Awo Nwoabasi, assured teachers that the state government is working to clear the backlog of overdue salaries. He made the statement during the school inspection on Monday, January 13, 2025, as schools resumed for the second term of the 2024/2025 academic session.
Prof. Nwoabasi urged teachers to remain patient and diligent despite the delays in salary payments. “I assure you that you will receive your salaries today. Also, encourage your pupils to return to school as it has resumed.”
Speaking on the delay and the reasons behind the verification exercise, which contributed to the salary backlog, he explained: “The verification was necessary due to the increasing wage bill. It is not meant to hurt or punish you, but to ensure you receive what is rightfully yours. Some people, even in places like Lagos or Cameroon, have been receiving salaries without working, while others, like former councilors from years ago, still have their names on the payroll. Please remain patient, and by the end of today, you will receive your salaries.”
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Hon. Peter Nwogbaga, acknowledged the challenges teachers had faced due to the salary delays, but urged them to stay committed to their duties. “The Governor has been on it, he said you should calm down, sooner it will be better and it will not repeat itself again. Be that as it may, we also urge you to be very diligent in your duties. These are our children, the children of the society, and the children of Ebonyi State. The better we take care of them now that we are still young, the better for all of us. Give them the sound teaching and learning they need so that the future of the state and these children will be better.”
The principal of Azuiyiokwu Secondary School, Mrs. Agboti Ngozi, expressed gratitude for the state government’s support regarding teachers’ welfare in the secondary education board. Her counterpart at the Junior Secondary School, Mrs. Obiajulo Regina Ebere, raised concerns about the unpaid salaries, particularly for junior staff, and appealed for faster action on the payment of the outstanding salaries.
Our correspondent observed that schools visited by the Ministry of Education included: Ebonyi North Zone: Azuiyiokwu Primary and Secondary School 1 and 2, Girls High School Azuiyiokwu, Success Impact Academy Nursery and Primary School, Progress School Nursery and Primary School, Evangel Comprehensive Secondary School, Ezza Road Primary School, Onuebonyi Inyimegu Community Secondary School 1 and 2,White Cloud International School, Abakaliki,
Station Urban Primary School 1&2, St. Patrick’s Primary School 1&2, Ugeu Achara primary school.
In Ebonyi South Zone the schools include; Ohaisu Community Secondary School, Afikpo, Government Secondary School, Afikpo, Ibii Community Primary/Secondary School, Amagu Community Primary School, Amata Apkpoha, and Akpoha Comprehensive Secondary School.
It was further observed that a visit to various private schools such as White Cloud International School, Success Impact Academy, and Progress Secondary School revealed full attendance of both students and teachers, with students actively engaged in their classes. However, while government schools had teachers present, student turnout was low.
Speaking to pressmen, the administrator of White Cloud International School, Mr. Emenike Chukwuemeka, commended the Commissioner for his commitment to education in the state. He stressed that the standard of education in Ebonyi is being uplifted as both private and public schools work towards improving education. “White Cloud International School in Abakaliki is one of the best. You can see it in the quality of our teachers, both teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as in the lessons we deliver. Any parent who brings their child here will not regret it. We have the best teachers.”
Barr. Ngwuta, the Director of Quality Assurance at the Ebonyi State Ministry of Education, commended the turnout of teachers, particularly in public schools, though he noted that student attendance in primary schools was still low.
He urged parents to ensure their children resume school promptly to avoid falling behind in the academic schedule. “We have discovered that some children delay their resumption because they fear being asked to clear grass or clean the school compound. Therefore, the ministry advises parents, through the PTA, to tidy up the school premises before the students resume. This way, students can start academic activities immediately.”