The Campaigns for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has condemned the decision of the Oyo State Government to impose a ₦7,000 fee on newly recruited teachers for confirmation examinations and on serving teachers for promotion examinations, describing the policy as illegal and anti-worker.
In a statement issued by its State Coordinator, Bamigboye Abiodun, also known as Abbey Trotsky, the group said the cost of confirmation and promotion examinations in the public service remains the responsibility of government and should not be transferred to workers under any guise.
According to CDWR, the Public Service Rules clearly state that confirmation of newly recruited officers is automatic after three years of satisfactory service and does not require any examination or payment. It added that promotion examinations, where applicable, are also expected to be organised and fully funded by the government.
The organisation accused the Oyo State Government of violating established regulations by shifting the financial burden to teachers, many of whom, it noted, are already grappling with low wages and rising living costs.
CDWR also criticised the Oyo State leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), alleging that the union failed to protect the interests of its members. The group expressed concern that the NUT leadership reportedly directed teachers to pay the imposed fee rather than oppose the policy.
The group described the action of the union leadership as a departure from its traditional role of defending workers’ rights and welfare, adding that such a stance amounts to an endorsement of an exploitative policy against teachers.
CDWR called on the Oyo State NUT leadership to immediately withdraw its directive compelling teachers to pay the fee and to mobilise resistance against what it described as an unjust imposition.
The organisation further demanded an immediate refund of the ₦7,000 already paid by affected teachers and urged those yet to pay to collectively resist the policy.
It also appealed to the Oyo State leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the NUT to initiate a broad campaign to challenge the policy and defend the rights of teachers and other public sector workers.
