The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed concern over the Federal Government’s failure to implement the special salary scale approved for teachers in basic and secondary schools.

The NUT National Deputy President, Mr Kizito Kalu, made the call in Abuja on Monday while delivering the union’s 2026 World Teachers’ Day address at Eagle Square.

Kalu said the Federal Government, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, approved the special salary scale and other welfare packages for teachers in 2022, but implementation had yet to commence four years later.

He said teachers deserved remuneration that reflected the importance of their responsibilities and prevailing economic realities.

“We, therefore, renew our call on the government to set machinery in motion for actualisation of the new salary regime for teachers in order to boost their morale and enhance their dignity,” he said.

Kalu also called for improved working conditions, noting that teachers could not be expected to perform optimally in environments characterised by overcrowded classrooms, inadequate furniture and insufficient instructional materials.

The NUT official said improving teachers’ welfare was essential to strengthening the profession and ensuring effective delivery of education across the country.

The union had previously identified several components of the approved welfare package, including a special salary structure, rural posting allowance, science teachers’ allowance, a special pension scheme, career progression measures, housing support and professional development opportunities.

Kalu’s call came as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark World Teachers’ Day, which is observed annually on October 5 to recognise the contribution of teachers to education and national development.

The NUT urged the government to move beyond policy announcements and ensure the actual implementation of approved measures aimed at improving the status and welfare of teachers.