TRCN urges FG to restore funding

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria has called for the restoration of government funding.

TRCN branch chairman, under the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Associated Institutions, Ihionu Chukwuemeka, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja.
He spoke at the official inauguration of the TRCN branch of the SSAUTHRIAI.

The integration of TRCN into SSAUTHRIAI is expected to enhance the council’s advocacy efforts and provide greater support for its members in various educational and research institutions across the country.

Chukwuemeka warned that failure to secure government funding would result in further financial strain on teachers already grappling with inadequate working conditions.

He called upon the support of SSAUTHRIAI, the Trade Union Congress, and the Nigerian Union of Teachers in advocating for the reinstatement of government funding for TRCN.

Chukwuemeka said, “The TRCN union is coming on board at the nick of time, considering the prevailing situation orchestrated by the removal of TRCN from government funding, being the only regulatory body in education, stoppage of N35,000 palliatives, denial of yearly variation and increment, non-implementation of promotion for the deserved staff, and other challenges confronting the staff.

“In this journey, we implore SSAUTHRIAI, Trade Union Congress, and NUT to support this struggle of restoring TRCN to government funding.

“If TRCN will continue to be self-funding, our teachers will bear the heavy burden with their meagre resources as there will be a hike in TRCN service costs to the teachers who are already battling with poor conditions of service over the years.”

Addressing the executives of the TRCN branch, the sectoral Chairman of the SSAUTHRIAI, Baba Mohammed, stressed the necessity of adhering to the union’s regulations and promoting constructive dialogue.

Mohammed emphasised the importance of inclusivity in decision-making processes, urging them to ensure all members are involved in key discussions and informed about relevant information.

He hammered on the strict adherence to the union’s constitution, cautioning that any breaches would result in disciplinary measures.

“Let me also advise the branch executives that you play the game according to the rules, by ensuring that you carry all your members along in decision-making and dissemination of information.

“You must ensure that the constitution of the Union is strictly obeyed at all times as the Union would not hesitate to discipline any erring branch officer or executive who violates the constitution,” he noted.

Mohammed reiterated SSAUTHRIAI’s commitment to peaceful resolutions and discouraged radical unionism, advocating instead for dialogue and negotiation to achieve the union’s objectives.

The Registrar TRCN, Josiah Ajiboye, emphasised the critical need for the union to prioritise safeguarding its reputation.

Ajiboye, represented by the Director of Human Resources Management, Stella Nwokeocha, urged the TRCN leaders to focus on building and maintaining the trust of its members to drive greater achievements.

He advised, “So do your best to do those things that will not bring a bad name to the Union and also to the leaders who will be confirmed today. Be careful not to do those things that will make their members distrust you.”

The inauguration of members into various offices of the TRCN branch of the SSAUTHRIAI were Comrade Chukwuemeka Ihionu (Chairman); Com. Adewumi Olayemi Simon (Vice Chairman); Com. Femi Adebayo (General Secretary); Com. Halima Ahmed (Assistant General. Secretary); Com. Ugochi Wakawa (Financial Secretary); Com. Mmeme Rose (Treasurer); and Com.  Tamunonengie Ofuore (Public Relations Officer).