A worried parent has expressed frustration over the ongoing teachers’ strike, saying students in boarding schools are losing valuable learning time while families continue to spend money on their education.
Speaking to the media, the parent described the situation as meaningless, arguing that parents make significant financial sacrifices to provide their children with food, provisions and other necessities, only for them to remain in school without receiving lessons.
He mentioned items such as gari, pepper, milk and Nido that parents purchase for their children to consume during their stay in boarding houses. He said it was disappointing that students were using these provisions while teaching and learning remained suspended.
The parent has therefore urged the government and relevant authorities to urgently resolve the issues behind the industrial action and ensure that teachers return to the classroom.
He also called for the payment of outstanding amounts owed to teachers, insisting that their grievances must be addressed to prevent further disruption to students’ education.
The parent criticised the popular saying that “teachers’ reward is in heaven”, arguing that it should no longer be used to justify delays in paying teachers what they are owed.
He questioned why teachers should be expected to accept such explanations when other public officials receive their salaries.
According to him, teachers play a vital role in national development because they educate the people who eventually become leaders and professionals. He said their welfare must therefore be treated as a priority.
The strike has raised concerns among parents who continue to bear the cost of keeping their children in school despite the disruption to academic activities.
The parent warned that prolonged negotiations without a resolution could result in students losing more instructional time and urged the government to act swiftly to restore normal teaching and learning.
