NIGER STATE NUT WARNS TEACHERS AGAINST PARTISAN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS AHEAD OF 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS

By YM Bina

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Niger State Wmg, has expressed serious concern over a video clip currently circulating on social media showing the Chairman of Katcha Local Government Area reportedly encountering a teacher in a classroom in Katcha dressed in the uniform of an opposition political party.

The Union views the development with concern and considers it necessary to remind all teachers across Niger State of the importance of maintaining professionalism, discipline, and political neutrality in the discharge of their official responsibilities, particularly as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.

While the Union recognizes the constitutional rights of teachers to hold political opinions and participate in lawful political activities, it emphasizes that such participation must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws, public service rules, and professional regulations.

The school environment must remain dedicated to teaching and learning and must not become a platform for partisan political activities.

Consequently, the Union calls on all teachers across the 25 Local Government Areas of Niger State to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in partisan political activities during official working hours or within school premises. Teachers are also advised against wearing political party uniforms, displaying campaign materials, or engaging in conduct that could compromise their professional responsibilities or expose them to disciplinary action.

The Union further urges teachers to be mindful of their conduct on social media and in public spaces, ensuring that their personal political interests do not interfere with their duties or bring the teaching profession into disrepute.

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, teachers must remain conscious of their responsibilities as educators, role models, and custodians of the future generation.

The Union therefore encourages all members to separate their lawful personal political participation from their official duties and to familiarize themselves with the relevant regulations governing political activities by public servants.

The NUT, Niger State Wing, reiterates its commitment to protecting the rights, welfare, and professional interests of teachers. However, the Union equally emphasizes that members must conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions that could jeopardise their careers, professional reputation, or the integrity of the education system.

The Union calls on all teachers to remain focused on their primary responsibility of providing quality education and nurturing responsible citizens. Our schools must remain centres of learning, discipline, and character formation, free from partisan political activities.

The Union appreciates the cooperation of all teachers and urges them to uphold the dignity of the teaching profession as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.