In a significant move to boost the morale and welfare of public secondary school staff in Ekiti State, Nigeria, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has announced the upgrade of the terminal salary grade level for bursars from Grade Level 14 to 15, effective May 1, 2025. This development was made public by the Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs. Rhoda Ojo, during a meeting with representatives of various labor unions and associations, including the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASSUS).
The TESCOM chairman emphasized that the new career elongation policy would only apply to degree holders and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders with Post Graduate Diploma certificates in relevant fields. According to Mrs. Ojo, this approval is part of the present administration’s broader education policies aimed at fostering high-quality teaching and learning, driven by motivated and qualified personnel. The move is also intended to motivate supporting staff in public schools, promoting a shared prosperity agenda for the state.
Governor Oyebanji’s administration has been working to improve the standard of education in Ekiti State, and this latest development is seen as a significant step in that direction. The Permanent Secretary in the Commission, Mr. Michael Boluwade, underscored the importance of living up to responsibilities, citing the phrase “to whom much is given, much is expected.” He also cautioned against truancy and the submission of unreliable reports, emphasizing the need for official notifications in cases of prolonged medical leave.
The news was met with appreciation from labor union leaders, who pledged their continued support for the government’s efforts to develop the state and improve worker welfare. Comrade Sola Adigun, State Chairman of ASUSS, expressed gratitude to the governor for prioritizing the welfare of teaching and non-teaching staff. Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Lawrence Egbeyemi, reaffirmed his union’s commitment to backing the government’s initiatives.
Other notable attendees at the meeting included the State Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Comrade Toyin Fagbamila, and the President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr. Akinbode Oke. The Conference of Bursars of Secondary Schools (COBUSS) was also represented by its State President, Comrade Kayode Ojo. With this upgrade, the Ekiti State government hopes to create a more motivated and productive workforce in its public secondary schools, ultimately enhancing the quality of education in the state.
