Gov Idris Hosts NUT NEC In Kebbi

From : Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi.

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, on Monday officially declared open the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

In his address, Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and privileges of workers, particularly Teachers drawing from his background as a teacher and former union leader.

He appreciates NUT leadership for choosing Kebbi State as the host for the NEC meeting, describing the occasion as both a professional engagement and a reunion with old colleagues and friends.

Governor Idris emphasized that his government remains worker-friendly, ensuring all entitlements due to civil servants, including Teachers are protected and promptly paid.

“In Kebbi, we do not owe salaries, death benefits, gratuities, or leave grants.”

He added that, through prudent management of resources, the state is capable of paying workers’ salaries for up to six months without federal allocation.

He further revealed that the state would soon recruit another set of Teachers, in addition to the 2,000 already employed.

 He also announced the government’s plan to spend ₦2.7 billion on educational materials such as books, and an additional ₦6.5 billion on school rehabilitation, furniture procurement, and teacher training.

“We are operating a free education policy, improved school feeding programs, and have paid scholarships for our students both within and outside the country,” he stated.

“Last year alone, we spent over ₦2 billion on scholarships.

“I have fulfilled 85 percent of my campaign promises,” Governor Idris declared.

In his remarks, NUT National President, Mr. Titus Audu Amba, lauded the Governor for graciously hosting the NEC meeting.

He described the day as historic for Nigerian teachers, who were proud to be hosted by one of their own.

Amba referred to the NUT as Governor Idris’s “second constituency,” expressing pride in his achievements within a short span.

“Our mission here is to interface with the Governor and commend his sterling legacy as a former NUT National President. His administration’s accomplishments in two years are remarkable.” He said. 

He also praised the Governor for appointing at least six former NUT officials as Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service, adding, “With a professional teacher as Governor, Kebbi State has witnessed tremendous progress.”

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Halima Mohammed Bande, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji Nayalwa, described Dr. Idris as a “professional teacher par excellence” and a patriotic leader committed to transparency and progress.

She commended the Governor’s prioritization of the education sector and added, “I must confess, union leaders make the best leaders. The Governor has driven the state to enviable heights in the education sector.”

Earlier, the State Acting NUT Chairman, Comrade Usman Adamu Isgogo, welcomed participants to Kebbi State and outlined the Governor’s educational achievements. 

These include the recruitment of over 2,000 qualified teachers, renovation of dilapidated schools, construction of new classrooms, provision of school furniture, and the prompt payment of tuition fees for Kebbi State indigenes studying in tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria.