Benue teachers have appealed to the state government to settle 11 months of outstanding salary arrears as they marked the 2026 World Teachers’ Day.
The teachers, under the Nigeria Union of Teachers in the state, said the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia had improved their welfare through regular salary payments and the recruitment of more than 9,000 teachers into state primary schools.
The state NUT Chairman, Comrade Levi Terna Akuma, said teachers appreciated the government’s efforts but appealed for the settlement of arrears inherited from the previous administration.
Akuma said the regular payment of salaries had boosted the morale of teachers and demonstrated that the government was paying attention to their welfare.
He, however, urged the government to address the outstanding 11 months’ arrears to further improve the welfare of teachers.
Other teachers also called for stronger security around schools, particularly those affected by attacks, saying insecurity continued to expose teachers and pupils to fear and disrupt learning.
The NUT appealed to the state government to rehabilitate schools damaged by attacks and provide a safer environment for teaching and learning.
The union said improved security would enable teachers to perform their duties without harassment or fear and help restore normal academic activities in affected communities.
World Teachers’ Day, established by UNESCO and the International Labour Organisation in 1994, is observed annually on October 5 to recognise the contribution of teachers and highlight challenges facing the profession.
While celebrating the day, Benue teachers expressed optimism about continued government support, particularly in addressing their outstanding financial claims and rebuilding schools affected by insecurity.
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