PRIMARY school teachers on the payroll of Jenkwe Development Area in Nasarawa State have been paid their monthly take-home for May.
The teachers however complained of excess deductions, storming the Secretariat in protest Wednesday morning to demand for explanation.
A teacher who got as low as ₦600 as salary for the month described the deductions as height of wickedness.
The affected teachers were however asked to return on Thursday June 15 at 12noon by the Director of Finance and Supplies of the Development Area.
Other teachers who earned ₦45,000 and ₦38,000 as salaries got credit alerts of ₦16,000, ₦7,000 and below for the month of May.
They lamented that despite not servicing any debt (loan), their salaries were deducted by 50% and above.
Efforts to reach the area’s Education Secretary, Mr Joseph Mamman for comment proved abortive at press time. However, an official said the deductions were made as sanctions for absenteeism, a claim the affected teachers denied.
“Every month our meagre monthly take-home is deducted without any reason. The deductions for the month of May has been the worse so far. We have had enough and it must stop,” they added.
Poor welfare package for teachers is one of the factors responsible for the present sorry state of primary education in Nasarawa State. Sadly, they are not only paid poorly, but also not paid as and when due. It is very unfortunate that those who through their conscious teachings and care helped us build the life we are currently living are being subjected to these situations.
