Fuel Subsidy Removal Sparks Brainstorming Session by Anambra Governor and Teachers

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has lauded the recent removal of petroleum motor spirit subsidy as a necessary transformative change that could reshape Nigeria’s economy. Acknowledging the potential impact on various sectors of society, teachers represented by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Anambra State Wing, joined hands with Governor Soludo to deliberate on strategies to mitigate the consequences for educators.

The 9th (7th Quadrennial) Delegates Conference of the NUT, held at the Teacher’s House in Awka, saw participants discussing the theme, “Petrol Subsidy Removal: its impact on the teacher and learner, the way forward”. Governor Soludo, addressing the gathering, emphasized that Nigeria had long been evading reality by printing and injecting money into the system, thus contributing to inflation. He commended President Bola Tinubu for the bold move of subsidy removal, asserting that it was high time the nation confronted its economic realities and practiced fiscal responsibility.

Governor Soludo stressed the importance of demonstrating the nation’s financial limitations, starting with leaders. He underlined that the subsidy removal’s effects would extend beyond civil servants, assuring that the government’s approach would encompass immediate and medium-term solutions. Furthermore, the Governor affirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the teaching workforce and ensuring accessible, high-quality education for all residents of the state.

Mrs. Nonye Chibueze, Chairperson of NUT in Anambra State, applauded Governor Soludo’s initiatives in the education sector. Despite the recruitment of five thousand teachers, she highlighted the shortage of educators in nursery and primary schools, urging the Governor to consider further recruitment.

The conference was graced by dignitaries including the Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Chairpersons of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board and Post Primary Schools Service Commission, as well as representatives from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

As Nigeria navigates this transformative phase following the fuel subsidy removal, the collaborative efforts of leaders and educators in Anambra State signify a determined stride towards minimizing the impact of this economic shift on the education sector.