The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) in Kogi State has raised the alarm over a severe shortage of teachers, revealing that public secondary schools in the state need 2,871 additional teachers to fill existing gaps.
The union made the appeal during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Lokoja, urging Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to approve the recruitment of more teachers to boost learning outcomes and restore quality to the state’s education system.
In his address, the ASUSS Chairman, Emejeh Ogwu, said the shortage had reached a critical level, with its impact already threatening educational standards in public secondary schools.
“We will never stop appreciating the state government for the recruitment of 1,108 teachers in 2023 out of the 3,979 teachers actually approved for employment by the immediate past administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello,” Ogwu said.
According to him, despite that recruitment, the state still faces a significant manpower gap.
“At the time the above number of teachers were recruited, public secondary schools in Kogi were in dire need of 9,948 teachers. Between the time of the approval and now, the situation has even become more critical as a result of death, retirement, and the movement of teachers to areas where pastures are greener,” he added.
Kogi Schools Need 2,871 More Teachers, Says ASUSS
Ogwu also appealed to the Federal Government to take urgent steps to strengthen the naira, reduce the cost of living, and enhance the real value of teachers’ salaries. He emphasised that this year’s World Teachers’ Day was a time for educators to reflect on how best to advance the teaching profession in Nigeria.
The ASUSS chairman further called on the Kogi State Government to pay outstanding leave bonuses, harmonise pension payments for retired teachers, and improve school infrastructure across the state.
He also suggested the introduction of a revolving motorcycle loan scheme to support teachers’ mobility in rural areas.
Despite the challenges, Ogwu appreciated the Ododo-led administration for its efforts in prompt salary payments, pension implementation, and minimum wage compliance.
In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Onu Johnson-Edoka, commended the teachers for their resilience and contribution to national development, assuring them of the state government’s continued support.
