Parents lament N60,000 salary for FGC teachers

Parents of pupils at the Federal Government College (FGC) Staff School, Sokoto, have lamented the salaries paid to teachers, some of whom have spent about 20 years in service, saying they are  inadequate.

The parents made the observation during the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday, calling for a minimum monthly salary of N100,000 and a N30,000 lesson allowance for teachers.

PTA Chairman, Jamilu Sidi, said improved welfare for teachers would enhance their performance and help sustain quality education in the school. He warned that poor remuneration could negatively affect productivity and pupils’ academic performance.

He further stressed the need for transparency and greater stakeholder engagement in decisions affecting the school, including increment in school fees.

According to him, “Concerns over poor teachers’ welfare, limited transparency in the school’s finances and repeated increases in school fees remain unresolved despite engagements with the management. Teachers’ salaries have only increased from N55,000 to N60,000.”

The PTA also appealed to the school management to repair damaged roads within the school and strengthen collaboration with the association to provide a more conducive learning environment.

Speaking at the meeting, the Headteacher, Chivuzor David, appreciated parents for their support, noting that the school had addressed its water challenges through the provision of a solar-powered borehole.

He appealed to the PTA to provide a solar power system for the nursery section to improve teaching and learning.

Also speaking, Chairman of the School Board, Sulaiman Ibrahim, assured parents that the resolutions reached at the meeting would be forwarded to the school management for consideration and necessary action.