World Teachers’ Day: ADC gov candidate urges urgent action on Sokoto teachers’ salaries, welfare

The ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Dan’iya. Photo: ADC

The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Dan’iya, has called on the state government to urgently address salary delays, employment uncertainties and welfare concerns affecting teachers across the state.

Dan’iya made the call in a statement issued on Monday by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, to mark the 2026 World Teachers’ Day.

He commended teachers in the state for their dedication and sacrifices in educating children despite the challenges confronting the profession.

However, the ADC candidate said the annual celebration should go beyond ceremonies and commendations to address the difficulties faced by teachers.

He expressed particular concern over reports of delays in the payment of September 2026 salaries of primary school teachers, saying teachers should not be left uncertain about their remuneration.

“You cannot build a strong education system while the people entrusted with educating our children are worried about whether their salaries will be paid, whether their appointments will stand, or whether they will receive the training and professional support required to do their jobs effectively,” Dan’iya stated.

He also raised concerns over reports that about 4,000 teachers were deleted from the state payroll after the current administration assumed office.

Dan’iya, however, noted that payroll deletions should not automatically be interpreted as formal dismissal, urging the government to provide clarity on the status of affected personnel.

The ADC candidate further cited the state government’s September 23 announcement of a committee to verify 3,100 newly recruited civil servants and facilitate salary payments to eligible workers.

• APC mocks Amaechi over mother’s drug comment
• Inciting comment: ADC demands probe of Edo APC chair
• ADC campaign queries Zulum over ‘Tinubu must go’ arrest video

He said while verification could be necessary for proper payroll management, legitimately employed workers should not be subjected to prolonged uncertainty over their appointments and salaries.

“Verification may be necessary for proper payroll management, but teachers and other legitimately employed workers deserve a clear timetable and prompt resolution rather than prolonged uncertainty over their appointments and remuneration,” he said.

Dan’iya urged the government to ensure that committees and verification exercises translate into tangible improvements in the lives of teachers.

He also called for regular training and professional development, adequate teaching materials, improved working environments and clear career progression for teachers.

According to him, improving education requires more than budgetary allocations and infrastructure projects, as the welfare and capacity of teachers remain central to learning outcomes.

He also called for attention to challenges confronting universities, colleges and other tertiary institutions in the state, saying interventions in education infrastructure must be complemented by competent personnel and sustainable welfare arrangements.

Dan’iya urged the Sokoto State Government to urgently resolve outstanding salary and employment issues, establish a transparent mechanism for addressing payroll complaints and provide clarity on the status of affected workers.

He reaffirmed his commitment to placing the welfare, dignity and professional development of teachers at the centre of efforts to improve education in the state.