The Nigerian Union of Teachers, Ogun State Chapter, on Tuesday, declared their intention to support the re-election bid of the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
The union jointly declared this with members of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in the state.
The Ogun NUT state Chairman, Abiodun Akinola, disclosed this in an interactive session with the governor, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Akinola said they decided to support the second term bid of Abiodun following his efforts in repositioning the education sector.
He said, “Your government has taken education to greater heights. We are not partisan, but we are 100 per cent behind you as our employer. We will support and work for your return.
“We will go from house to house and be your canvassers because you are a silent achiever whose achievements will remain indelible for a long time.”
Akinola commended the state government for upgrading schools, training and retraining of teachers, resuscitating offices of principals, introduction of Digi-class, and cancellation of levies in schools.
The NUT chairman, however, called for recruitment of more teachers to replace those that have retired, in a bid to restore teachers’ peculiar allowance and payment of leave bonus arrears.
Also speaking at the session, the President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Ogun State chapter, Adekunle Osibemiwo, called for the harmonisation of taxes paid by school proprietors.
He also appealed for the appointment of a person with disability to head the Special Education Department in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
While responding, Abiodun said his administration had renovated more than 100 public schools, built 1,500 affordable housing units, and constructed over 400 kilometres of road.
He also noted that the construction of the Agro-cargo airport at Illisan is ongoing with the landing of aircrafts.
He described teachers as pathfinders who nurture and bring up morally upright children for the society.
He lauded them for contributing to the peace in the state by inculcating the right values in their pupils.
“I want to thank you for your understanding and support. Without your cooperation, it would have been impossible to achieve the much that we have achieved.
“We will look into the multi taxation issue and harmonise it. I will also appoint a Special Assistant to oversee that Special Education Office in the Ministry of Education”, he said.
The governor noted that plans had been concluded to commence the Digital Lesson Plan in schools.
