Ireti Kingibe has expressed concern over the ongoing protest by primary school teachers under the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), who have taken to the streets over the prolonged non-payment of their entitlements.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, Kingibe described the situation as both an administrative and moral failure, condemning the neglect of teachers who are yet to receive their promotion arrears, leave grants, and peculiar allowances dating as far back as 2021.
“It is unacceptable that individuals entrusted with the foundational education of our children, our future, are being neglected in this manner,” she said.
“Teachers are not beggars. They are nation-builders, and they deserve to be treated with the dignity and respect their role demands.”
According to BusinessDay, the senator, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, called on the FCT Administration, Area Councils, and relevant agencies to urgently resolve the matter. She pledged to use the full weight of her office to push for immediate redress.
“This situation cannot be allowed to persist,” she said.
“I am committed to engaging the necessary authorities until the rights of these teachers are fully restored.”
Teachers across the six area councils of the FCT have been staging protests in recent weeks, calling attention to the non-payment of their entitlements.
Some of the affected educators say the delays have placed them under severe financial strain, impacting both their professional performance and personal lives.
Kingibe stressed that the failure to support teachers adequately could have far-reaching consequences for the education sector in the FCT.
“Our children deserve quality education, and that starts with motivated, supported, and fairly treated teachers,” she said.
“I urge all relevant offices to act now before this issue causes deeper harm to the educational fabric of the FCT.”
The FCT-UBEB and Area Council officials have yet to issue a formal response to the senator’s statement at the time of filing this report.
