The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Kogi State chapter, has expressed concern over the persistent attacks on schools and educational communities, urging the government and security agencies to adopt proactive measures to safeguard learning institutions.

In a communiqué issued after its Executive Council (EC) meeting and made available to journalists in Lokoja, the union described schools as centres of learning that should never become targets of criminal activities.

ASUSS called on the government and security agencies to strengthen security around schools through improved intelligence gathering and other preventive strategies to protect students, teachers and educational facilities.

Despite its concerns, the union commended the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for its sustained efforts to improve security across the state and maintain cordial relations with workers.

“We acknowledge the government’s commitment to industrial harmony and appreciate the steps taken to promote the welfare of workers,” the communiqué stated.

The union also appealed to the state government to restore the payment of the 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Allowance (TSA) to secondary school teachers, describing the allowance as a product of a duly negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement between ASUSS and the government.

According to the union, reinstating the allowance would boost teachers’ morale and reaffirm the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education in the state.

On healthcare, ASUSS praised the introduction of the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme, saying the initiative has the potential to improve access to quality healthcare for workers and their families. It, however, urged members who are yet to enrol in the scheme to do so without delay to enjoy its benefits.

The union also expressed concern over what it described as the piecemeal payment of gratuities to retired workers, appealing to the government to settle outstanding entitlements in more substantial batches to enable retirees enjoy the rewards of their years of service.

ASUSS further lamented the acute shortage of teachers in public secondary schools, warning that the situation has increased the workload on existing teachers and is affecting the quality of teaching and learning. It renewed its call for the immediate recruitment of qualified teachers to fill vacancies across the state.

The union also urged the government to establish a motorcycle loan scheme for secondary school teachers, particularly those serving in rural communities where transportation remains a major challenge.

According to ASUSS, such a scheme would improve teachers’ mobility, enhance punctuality and boost productivity.

The union commended teachers for their resilience, professionalism and commitment despite prevailing economic and workplace challenges, urging them to remain disciplined and dedicated to their responsibilities.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Kogi State Government through dialogue and constructive engagement to advance the development of secondary education in the state.