The Parents Teachers’ Association (PTA) of Federal Government College Staff School, Sokoto, has called for an upward review of teachers’ salaries and improved welfare packages.
The resolution was reached on Saturday during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Sokoto.
The congress proposed a minimum monthly salary of N100,000 and a N30,000 lesson allowance for teachers.
Speaking at the meeting, the PTA Chairman, Mr Jamilu Sidi, said improved welfare would boost teachers’ performance and sustain quality education.
Sidi said parents expressed concern that poor remuneration could undermine teachers’ productivity and negatively affect pupils’ academic performance.
According to him, the congress also urged school management to consult parents before implementing any increase in school fees.
He insisted that transparency and stakeholder engagement should guide such decisions.
The chairman added that most of the issues raised during the last congress had been addressed by his administration.
Sidi said his administration had introduced an e-payment system for all PTA transactions to ensure transparency and accountability.
“We also organised a high-impact capacity-building workshop to sharpen teaching standards.
“We provided practical tools including raincoats and umbrellas for teachers on duty during the rainy season.
“We also introduced annual awards of excellence for the top three performing pupils in the National Common Entrance Examination,” he said.
He, however, noted that issues of poor remuneration, limited transparency in the school’s financial management, and unjustifiable increases in school fees were yet to be addressed despite engagements with the management board.
“Since assuming office, our administration has met with school management regarding staff welfare and remuneration.
“Unfortunately, their salary was only increased from N55,000 to N60,000.
“Considering current economic realities, this is grossly inadequate for intellectuals,” he lamented.
One of the parents, Mrs Loveth Bello, called on management to upgrade the school environment, repair damaged roads and make the school more conducive for learning.
She also urged management to collaborate with the PTA to move the school forward for the benefit of the younger generation.
Another parent, Sani Abdullahi-Wamakko, lamented that it was unfair for a teacher to spend more than 20 years in the school and still earn N60,000 per month.
He said the school had sufficient funds to increase salaries, considering the fees paid and student enrolment.
Sani charged the PTA executive committee to engage management and ensure the implementation of the proposed N100,000 minimum salary.
Responding, the Headteacher of the school, Mr Chiwuzor Victor, commended parents for their unwavering support for the school’s progress.
On making the environment conducive, Victor said efforts were ongoing to improve learning conditions.
He added that the school no longer faces water shortages following the provision of a solar-powered borehole.
He, however, appealed to the PTA to provide a solar power system for the nursery section to ensure stable lighting and a conducive learning environment for the young pupils.
Responding to the resolutions, the representative of the Principal of FGC Sokoto and Board Chairman, Mr Sulaiman Ibrahim, said parents’ proposals and resolutions had been noted.
He assured that they would be presented to management for appropriate action.
