DSS Shuts Down School, Sacks 140 Teachers, Principal Over Demand For Increase In Salary

Department of State Services has sacked 140 teachers and other staff members of its Community Staff Schools, Asokoro, Abuja.

It was learnt that the DSS took the decision after the staff demanded for better conditions of service and regularisation of their appointment.

The service also directed the 1,800 pupils in the nursery/primary and secondary classes to stay at home for two weeks, while shutting down the school.

It was learnt that all pupils were asked to go home, pending the appointment of new teachers by the authorities.

Findings indicate that the primary school commenced pupil enrolment in 1992/93, while the secondary classes took off in 1998.

NaijaNews learnt that the issue started following the hike in fees of the the school.

Following the hike, teachers had demanded the regularisation of their appointment and an increase in their salaries and other emoluments following increase in the school tuition.

Reacting, the authorities sent out letters of disengagement to the workers, including the principal and other administrative officials.

Before the face-off, the fee for the nursery and primary classes was increased from N25,000 to N35,000 for children and wards of the rank and file, while children of senior DSS officers were required to pay N45,000 up from N35,000 per term.

For children of civilians, the tuition was increased from N45,000 to N60,000.

The tuition for secondary school classes was increased from 35,000 to 45,000 for children and wards of the rank and file, while officers’ children were asked to pay N60,000 up from 40,000. Students who did not fall in either of the categories will pay N90,000 from N70,000. Other sundry charges were also said to have been increased.

In the sack letter however  dated November 2, 2020, signed by the Executive Secretary, CSSA, M. Onyilo, the DSS hinged its decision to sack the school staff on poor financial situation brought about by the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation’s economy.

The letter titled, ‘Disengagement from the service of Community Staff Schools, Asokoro,’ reads partly, “Due to the effect of COVID-19 on the Nigerian economy vis-a-vis the crippling financial situation of the school, I am directed to convey the Director-General, State Services/Proprietor’s approval to disengage you from the services of the school with effect from 3rd November 2020.”