NUT Writes Buhari, Promises Cooperation With His Administration

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) today (22/04/15) pledged their loyalty, solidarity and cooperation to the President-Elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and his incoming government. The union congratulated Buhari over his victory in the March 28 presidential election, and appealed for drastic change and turn-around in the education sector when he assumes office. The congratulatory letter sent to Buhari and jointly signed by NUT National President, Michael Olukoya, and Secretary General, Ikpe Obong, reads: “The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and indeed the entire Teachers in Nigeria felicitate with you on your remarkable success in the March 28 presidential election. On this we say, congratulations! “The NUT is particularly happy that you are coming on board to make a difference in the governance of our country Nigeria. The fact that you continually profess to CHANGE the circumstances of Nigeria if given the opportunity gives us hope that Nigeria is on the verge of rapid development and signals the beginning of the journey of our country towards an enviable future as you have eventually been given the opportunity you so craved for. “Our dear President-elect, if there is any sector in Nigeria that needs a drastic change and turn-around, the education sector is the one, particularly the remuneration, welfare and status of Nigerian teachers. You can therefore understand the excitement of the teachers over the emergence of a President of CHANGE and the enormous load and responsibility awaiting you to deliver. You remain the last hope of the teachers, for if you as a person known for action coupled with your avowed resolve to ensure equity, justice and fairness to all Nigerians would fail to raise the status of teachers in Nigeria and that of the education industry of our country, then no one else will do it. “In that case Nigeria would continue to lag behind and wallow in abject poverty following the weak foundation bestowed on it consequent upon the neglect of our education industry. Herein lies the great challenge of your Presidency and you must not fail. “Your abundant experiences as a former military Head of State, an apostle of War Against Indiscipline (WAI), Governor, Minister, member of the Federal Executive Council and Head of the PTF etc place you in a most advantageous pedestal to deliver on the mandate of the electorates of our nation. "These intimidating credentials of yours shall also constitute the reason you will be having sleepless nights and being under tremendous pressure to maintain your established standards and meet your expectations and those of Nigerians. Here again underscores why failure is not among your performance options."