Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has directed teachers and principals of public secondary schools in the state to resume normal classes with effect from Monday, March 20, 2017.

In a government special announcement issued on Saturday, signed by the Director of Information, Paul Osahor, the state government declared that at the enlarged meeting between the state government and Labour Unions chaired by the Governor, it was evident that the government had met all its salary obligations to public servants (inclusive of teachers in secondary schools and technical colleges employed under the Post Primary Education Board).

The statement pointed out that “the continued sympathy strike by secondary school teachers, in the state, in solidarity with their primary school counterparts is quite unreasonable and uncalled for as matters concerning promotions and inter cadre transfers, have been approved and implemented by the state government, through the Post Primary Education Board. This is in line with government avowed commitment to the welfare of teachers in the state.”

It also observed that “this ill-timed and ill-conceived strike action is particularly worrisome, considering the fact that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) will commence on Monday, March 20, 2017.

“Accordingly, the state government will not tolerate strike actions that would jeopardise the smooth conduct of teaching and learning in public schools in the state. For the avoidance of doubt, the state government will henceforth apply the policy of ‘No Work, No Pay’ on any school principal or teacher who fails to resume work on Monday, March 20, 2017.”

It all teachers and principals to resume normal school activities on March 20, while Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) and Heads of Zonal Offices of the State Post Primary Education Board are to ensure strict compliance with the state Governor’s directive. School principals are to keep daily records of staff attendance and transmit same to the Post Primary Education Board Zonal Offices.

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