Teachers employed under the Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) have issued a strike ultimatum, warning that they will commence industrial action by the end of 2025 if the state government fails to fully implement the new minimum wage for their members.
The decision followed an emergency meeting of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) held on Friday at the Teachers’ House in Abakaliki.
In a communiqué released after the meeting and signed by the Acting Secretary General, Odinaka Nwankwo, the teachers acknowledged the developmental efforts of Governor Francis Nwifuru, particularly in areas related to workers’ welfare across Ebonyi State.
However, the union raised strong objections to what it described as discriminatory salary practices affecting SUBEB teachers. According to the council, while other categories of state workers reportedly receive the approved ₦90,000 minimum wage, SUBEB teachers are paid ₦60,000, a gap they argue contravenes constitutional provisions on equal remuneration.
The teachers also expressed concern over an executive directive mandating the compulsory retirement of directors who have spent eight years in service. They insisted that the order conflicts with the Harmonised Teachers’ Retirement Act of 2022, which exempts teachers from such provisions.
In addition, the union lamented its exclusion from the 2023 and 2024 Christmas bonuses approved by the Ebonyi State Government for public servants.
The council resolved that failure to implement the full minimum wage and clear outstanding salary arrears from September to December would compel SUBEB teachers to embark on industrial action at the close of 2025.
Representatives from all 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State were present at the executive council meeting.
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