Kebbi NUT Defends Govt’s Education Record, Rejects Viral Video
The Kebbi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has dismissed a viral video alleging poor funding of education and inadequate remuneration for teachers in the state, describing the material as old, edited and doctored. In a statement issued on Monday, the state NUT Chairman, Zaki Sarki, said the video and claims contained in it were misleading and portrayed the education sector in a manner he said did not reflect recent interventions by the administration of Governor Nasir Idris. Sarki also alleged that individuals linked to opposition politicians were behind the circulation of the video, but did not provide evidence for the claim. He urged those making claims about the state’s education sector to verify available records before drawing conclusions about government policies and performance. The NUT chairman cited the recent upward review of primary school teachers’ salaries to a minimum of N75,000, alongside other measures, as evidence of government attention to teachers’ welfare. Recent reports have also quoted the NUT as confirming the salary adjustment and restoration of some teachers’ allowances.
Sarki further pointed to the construction and renovation of schools, recruitment of teachers and provision of teaching and learning materials as areas of government intervention. Earlier reports have independently confirmed the recruitment of more than 2,000 teachers by the Kebbi State Government, while the NUT has also cited additional recruitment and education infrastructure projects in its recent statements. He said the union rejected the circulating video and would continue to engage the government on issues affecting teachers while supporting efforts to improve education in the state. The NUT chairman also urged critics to distinguish between legitimate criticism and the circulation of manipulated material. The controversy comes as teachers and education stakeholders mark the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, with renewed attention on teachers’ welfare, working conditions and the state of education across the country.
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