Following the approval of the Harmonized Retirement Age Bill for teachers by the Federal Government, the Non-Academic Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Abia State Council has staged a peaceful protest to press home their demands that non teaching academic staff of the Secondary & Primary School be given equal treatment and included in federal government incentives.
Recall that the Federal Government recently approved the Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers Bill, 2021 which stipulates 65 years retirement age for teachers and 40 years of service.
The mammoth crowd of Union members who staged a peaceful protest at Government House Umuahia carrying different placards, said they came to notify the Abia State Government over the ongoing policy as well as draw the attention of the Federal Government to include their members in it’s policies and incentives.
The Protest is ongoing simultaneously in the 36 states of the federation.
Speaking, the Chairman Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Comrade Isdore Ibebuike while noting the union rejects the discriminatory policies of the Federal Government,said the union members are excluded from Federal government incentives.
“We are asking the FG to extend such largesse to NASU Members. What is good for the geese is also good for the gander.
“In view of the foregoing, we are appealing to you to help us talk to the Federal Government to know that NASU Members exist in all the primary and secondary schools in Nigeria.
“Teachers are given edge over NASU Members in all states. We perform essential duties, we are as qualified as the teachers. Some of us are even more qualified than the teachers. Unfortunately, our union members are not included in federal government incentives”,Comrade Ibebuike said.
He also appealed to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to accomodate NASU Members should the bill be domesticated in Abia State.
“Primary and y School matters are in the concurrent list and will be sent to the National Assembly. If it is to be domesticated in the state, we are asking our Governor to also accommodate NASU Members”.
Also speaking, the Chairman Secondary Education Management Board, SEMB, Comrade Okpe Arum Okpe, also appealed to the governor to make a case for non tutorial staff as the bill is yet to receive hearing at the National Assembly.
Responding, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu represented by his Chief of Staff, Anthony Agbazuere assured that their message will be conveyed to the governor.
While noting that there should be a symbiotic relationship between the employer and employee ,he advised the leadership of the union to channel their grievances to the governor in writing to enable for onward transmission to the presidency instead of embarking on protests.
