Oyo State Government has approved backlog of promotions for 9, 227 primary school teachers across the state.
The teachers whose promotions were delayed for six years started receiving their letters on Friday, June 17.
Speaking while presentating the promotion letters to the representatives of the teachers, the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran, said the letters were for 9,227 teachers on GL13-15.
He said the teachers were placed on six years waiting period by the previous APC -led administration of late Isiaka Ajimobi.
Adeniran said the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has been very passionate about the welfare of workers in the state.
He added that the governor promptly approved the promotions , having realised that the policy had affected the morale of teachers in public primary schools.
“I want to appreciate the Executive Governor of the State, Engineer Seyi Makinde for his love for teachers, which was demonstrated by the approval granted, that the six years waiting period be cancelled or reverted with immediate effect.
“This by implications means that all teachers affected are going to enjoy their promotions with a month’s salary arrear and this takes financial effect from the month of June, 2022.
“In addition, the teachers that have retired from service in the course of processing the approval for the lifting of the six year waiting period will also enjoy the promotion due to them, simply by applying for the re-computation of their gratuity and pension in line with Pension Act,” he said.
The SUBEB chairman admonished the teachers to ensure that they continue to give their best to education in the state.
He also called on some teachers that are fond of spreading rumours and casting aspersions on SUBEB and Oyo State government to desist.
“I’m using the privilege to warn some of you teachers who are fond of rushing to the press to blackmail the government to stop from that act, as we know, you are all motivated to do that politically and unprofessionally.
“Our Government is doing what is right and will continue to do what is right for the teachers, as you will continue to enjoy prompt payment of salaries and promotion as and when due, as well as, a conducive working milieu.
“Only this government has contributed more to the growth of education than any previous adminstrations.
“As we pay the salaries on the 25th, and constitently paying the 13th month salary from 2019 till date. The Government is not tired, ” Adeniran explained.
Speaking, the Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State wing, Comrade Raji Oladimeji, appreciated the state government for its efforts in making this symbolic promotion a reality, as they have all been expecting this kind of promotion for a very long time.
“This delay has been there for about two decades. This promotion will surely help our teachers from level 13 to 15 to move freely and match up with their contemporaries in other work force in Oyo State. It is a thing of joy as we have been longing for this kind of day.
“However, we expect , our teachers to put in more efforts and reciprocate the gestures, through impacting the pupils,” the NUT Chairman said.
One of the newly promoted teachers, Mr B.O. Oladele expreased his gratitude to the state government over the gesture.
Oladele, an Headmaster from Atiba Local Government was given a double promotion to make up for his staying on one salary grade level for 11 years.
He described the double promotion given to him as a of joy, promising to reciprocate by doing more for education in Oyo State.