The Office of the Head of Service has dismissed as misleading and unfounded recent allegations by some teachers over the implementation of the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance and the Teachers Specific Allowance (TSA) of 27.5 per cent and 21 per cent in Kwara State.
According to the Press Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mr Okanlawon Solomon, the claims circulating in the media do not reflect the true position of the state government on teachers’ welfare.
The reports had alleged that the TSA for teachers had ceased several years ago, that teachers were deliberately excluded from the implementation of the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance enjoyed by other workers, and that a Grade Level 04 officer in the core civil service now earns more than a Grade Level 07 teacher.
Reacting, the Acting Head of Service, Dr Olufunke Mercy Shittu, clarified that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum signed an agreement with the Nigeria Union of Teachers on August 6, 2008, for the implementation of TSA at 27.5 per cent and 21 per cent.
She explained that the allowance was implemented in 2010 and remained in force until December 2025, when the state government approved a comprehensive review of the TSA in line with teachers’ certifications with the Teachers Registration Council
She noted that implementation of the reviewed allowance will commence in January 2026.
Dr Shittu further explained that the Peculiar Allowance was approved by the Federal Government at 40 per cent for core civil servants as part of salary harmonisation efforts, following complaints that core civil servants were disadvantaged compared to other categories of workers who enjoy professional or sector-specific allowances.
She noted that workers already benefitting from specific allowances or enhanced salary structures, such as health workers, tertiary institution staff and judicial officers, are excluded from the Peculiar Allowance.
She described the introduction of the Peculiar Allowance in Kwara State as a novel initiative that reflects the current administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, while highlighting significant achievements in the education sector.
"These include the full payment of 345 per cent outstanding salary arrears dating back to 2016, full implementation of promotion arrears from 2015, timely approval of annual promotions up to 2025, bridging of salary disparities between teachers under the Teaching Service Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board, regular capacity-building programmes since 2019, and the restoration of annual incremental steps over the past three years," she noted.
The Acting Head of Service emphasised that even with the implementation of the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance for core civil servants, teachers’ salaries remain relatively higher than those of their counterparts on the same grade level in the ministries.
She stressed that allowances are not meant to encourage competition in remuneration but to achieve salary harmonisation.
Dr Shittu also advised workers to understand that the state government reserves the right to review remuneration upward based on available financial resources to ensure sustainability.
She urged that all legitimate grievances should be channelled through the appropriate trade unions.
She further cautioned public servants against granting media interviews without proper authorisation, in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules.
.jpeg)