Ogun teachers pay upgrade draws praise as NUT lauds Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving Grade Level 17 and a new salary structure for head teachers

The leadership of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Ogun State Wing, on Friday commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving a career upgrade to Grade Level 17 for graduate primary school teachers and endorsing a consolidated salary structure for Headteacher General across the state.

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The commendation was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Ogun State Chairman of the union, Mr Sewakanu Oladipupo, and the Secretary, Mr Samson Oyelere, and made available to journalists in Abeokuta.

The union described the Ogun teachers pay upgrade as unprecedented and groundbreaking, saying the policy decision had elevated the professional status of more than 14,000 primary school teachers in the state.

According to the NUT, the approval has rekindled motivation and dedication among educators, describing the move as a landmark decision that reflects visionary leadership and a firm commitment to strengthening the education sector.

The statement noted that Governor Abiodun, himself a product of the teaching profession, had demonstrated enduring appreciation for teachers by creating opportunities for primary school educators to reach the peak of the civil service like their counterparts in other cadres.

The union said the upgrade would enhance morale, attract skilled professionals into teaching, and ultimately improve learning outcomes across Ogun State, adding that the benefits would extend beyond the classroom to the wider society.

Earlier, the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, had announced the approval of the career advancement of Graduate Primary School Teachers under the Tutor Cadre from Grade Level 16 to Grade Level 17.

Mr Onasanya explained that the decision was aimed at addressing stagnation at the terminal point of the cadre, improving motivation and ensuring more effective service delivery within the primary education system.

He said Governor Abiodun also approved a consolidated salary structure for Headteacher General, effectively upgrading their professional and administrative status within the public service.

According to the Head of Service, the policy followed a review of existing career progression frameworks and was designed to strengthen teaching quality and improve educational outcomes in the state.

Mr Onasanya disclosed that the State Universal Basic Education Board had been directed to implement the policy immediately, noting that the decision aligns with the ISEYA development pillar of the administration.

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He reaffirmed that the Abiodun administration remains focused on progressive reforms in education and urged teachers to reciprocate the gesture with renewed commitment to excellence and efficient service delivery.