Former deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Manir Dan'Iya
African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Dan’Iya, has called on the state government to improve the welfare of teachers, saying better salaries, job security and professional support are essential for quality education.
In a statement issued on World Teachers’ Day by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’Iya praised teachers across Sokoto State for their dedication and sacrifices in shaping the future of children, describing their contribution to the development of the state as invaluable.
He said the annual celebration should go beyond speeches and ceremonies, urging governments and other stakeholders to address the challenges facing teachers, including salary delays, poor working conditions, limited opportunities for professional development and uncertainty over employment.
The ADC governorship candidate noted that many teachers in the state are facing hardship because of delays in the payment of their salaries.
“No doubt, teachers are expected to shape the future of Sokoto’s children, however, their own welfare cannot be treated as an afterthought. Available reporting has also documented allegations that about 4,000 teachers were deleted from the state payroll after the present administration assumed office, although the figure refers to payroll deletions and should not automatically be equated with formal dismissal,” Dan’Iya said.
He also referred to the Sokoto State Government’s announcement on September 23, 2026, that it had set up a committee to verify 3,100 newly recruited civil servants, including teachers, to facilitate salary payments to eligible workers.
According to him, while payroll verification may be necessary, genuinely employed teachers and other workers deserve a clear timetable and prompt resolution of issues affecting their appointments and salaries instead of prolonged uncertainty.
“You cannot build a strong education system while the people entrusted with educating our children are worried about whether their salaries will be paid, whether their appointments will stand, or whether they will receive the training and professional support required to do their jobs effectively,” Dan’Iya said.
He added that teachers’ welfare, regular training, adequate teaching materials, decent working conditions and career progression should remain key priorities in education policy.
Dan’Iya further said the challenges affecting universities, colleges and other higher institutions should also be addressed as part of efforts to strengthen the education sector. While acknowledging ongoing government interventions, including renovation and rehabilitation projects in schools, he stressed that improved infrastructure must be matched with adequate welfare for teachers and competent personnel.
He called on the Sokoto State Government to urgently resolve outstanding salary and employment issues, provide clarity on the status of affected teachers, strengthen professional development programmes and establish a transparent system for addressing genuine payroll and employment complaints.
