By Comrade Biose Osita
As we continue to grapple with the challenges within our education system, it is imperative that we recognise the invaluable role played by our primary school teachers.
These dedicated professionals lay the foundation for lifelong learning, equipping our children with the essential skills and knowledge needed for success.
However, despite their crucial contributions, primary school graduate teachers have been unjustly denied promotion to Level 17. This glaring inequity demands urgent redress.
The argument that primary school teachers should not be promoted to Level 17 simply because they teach at the primary level is fundamentally flawed.
All university degrees hold equal merit, and primary school teachers who possess degrees should be granted the same opportunities for career progression as their counterparts in secondary schools.
Furthermore, other states such as Edo and Anambra have already taken steps to upgrade primary school degree teachers to Level 17.
This precedent raises serious questions about fairness and equality. If other states can acknowledge and reward the contributions of primary school teachers, why should we lag behind?
A staunch advocate for primary school teachers, Comr. Titus Okotie has presented a compelling case for their promotion.
“Equality and fairness demand that we recognise the value of primary school teachers,” he asserted.
“The foundation of education is laid at the primary level, where teachers impart the basic skills and knowledge our children need to thrive.”
The Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, while representing Governor Sherrif Oborevwori on World Teachers’ Day in October 2024, expressed support for the promotion of primary school graduate teachers.
He assured that the matter would be presented to the Executive Council (EXCO) for consideration.
We commend Governor Oborevwori for approving the promotion of 262 secondary school teachers to Level 17 through the Post Primary Education Board (PPEB).
However, we urge him not to overlook the equally deserving primary school teachers. Whether in primary or secondary schools, these educators are integral to our children’s development and play a critical role in shaping their futures.
They also exercise their voting rights during elections, contributing to the leadership that governs our state. It is only just that their dedication and service be recognised and rewarded on equal terms.
It is important to note that the minimum entry qualification for primary school teachers has evolved over the years.
Previously, it was the Teachers’ Certificate II (TC II), later upgraded to the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE). The benchmark for promotion was once Level 14, but with degree holders now teaching at the primary level, it is only logical that they be accorded the same recognition and career progression as their secondary school counterparts.
Aligning these standards will strengthen the primary education sector and enhance its appeal to aspiring teachers.
In an ever-evolving world, education must also adapt to remain relevant. Our education system should be dynamic, inclusive, and responsive to change.
Promoting primary school graduate teachers to Level 17 is a progressive step that acknowledges their indispensable role in shaping the future of our children.
While we appreciate Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to promoting secondary school teachers, we urge him to extend the same recognition to primary school teachers.
Doing so would reaffirm his dedication to education and the welfare of all teachers in the state.
Recognising and promoting primary school teachers to Level 17 is not merely a matter of equality and fairness; it is a crucial step towards strengthening our education system.
We call upon the state government to revisit this pressing issue and grant primary school graduate teachers the promotion they rightfully deserve.
Governor Oborevwori should take decisive action to correct this injustice and ensure that primary school teachers receive the recognition and career progression they have long been denied.
Comrade Osita Biose is a Concerned Citizen and Advocate For Education Reform