A group of Public school teachers in Kwara State staged a protest on Friday over their exclusion from the recently approved 30% peculiar salary allowance granted to other workers in the state. The demonstrators accused both the state government and their union leadership of neglect and betrayal.
One of the protesting teachers told reporters that the demonstration was also directed at the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) leadership, which they alleged had failed to protect their interests.
“We’re protesting against the NUT leadership for not representing us effectively. We’re demanding that the 30% peculiar allowance for teachers should be implemented,” the teacher said.
During the protest, teachers carried placards highlighting worsening economic hardships and the perceived unfair treatment of public school educators. Messages on the signs included:
“Economic hardships of Kwara teachers are escalating daily due to poor payment. Implement 30% peculiar allowance in addition to TSA for teachers now!”
“We are tired of living on loan procurement just to sustain life. Kwara teachers’ wage payment is far from the economic reality of the country. Enough is enough!!!”
Reporters also learnt that this was not the first protest by the teachers over the issue. On December 23, 2025, they staged a similar demonstration over their exclusion from the 30% allowance, convening at the NUT Kwara State Secretariat along Asa Dam Road and singing solidarity songs to express frustration and neglect.
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One protester, Olayinka, emphasized that their mass action targeted both the state government and the teachers’ union leadership:
According to him, “We’re protesting against Kwara NUT leadership for their inaction and complacency. Most especially, the exclusion of teachers from the 30% peculiar allowance, which has been paid to other state teachers but some teachers were exempted.”
Another teacher said the exclusion left public school educators at a disadvantage compared to other civil servants:
“Yes, we heard it has been approved, but without including teachers in the 30% peculiar allowance, we will earn less than other civil servants in the state. Compare 27% to 30%.”
The teacher further explained that the 27% allowance being cited for teachers was not new:
“Exactly. That 27% is the statutory right for every teacher, already implemented in other states since 2018. This 27% will be implemented by January, while others got their 30% in December.”
Meanwhile, the NUT Kwara State leadership distanced itself from the protest, stating that it neither authorized nor endorsed the action. In a statement signed by State Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Wahab Agboola and Deputy Secretary-General MONI Mike Modesty Itua, the union said:
“The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Kwara State Wing has not ordered or authorized public school teachers or any group to embark on protests against any institution, individual, or the Government of Kwara State. Anyone who does so acts at their own peril.”
The union, however, praised the state government for approving teacher-related allowances, adding:
“The NUT Kwara State Wing sincerely appreciates the Government of Kwara State under the leadership of Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq for the thoughtful approval of Teachers Specific Allowances (TSA) of 27.5% and 21% respectively in fulfillment of the Union’s demand.”
