Lagos- The Lagos State Government will pay its workers 15 per cent bonus in the December salary as an end of the year gift, the State Head of Service, Mrs Oluseyi Williams, said on Friday.
Williams spoke at the end of the year get together and appreciation party for principals and directors in the Ministry of Education.
She said that the bonus would be paid along with the December salary any moment from now.
According to her, the bonus is to show that the government is committed to the welfare of workers.
“Some states are owing their workers up to four months salary but that is not the case in Lagos.
“I was discussing with some HOS and they told me they are looking for money to pay their workers salaries.
“Our workers will receive their December salary any moment from now and I am happy to say it that it will come with 15 per cent bonus.
“Government appreciates your service to the state and urges you to continue to put in your best.
“Wherever you get your daily meal, it is good to put in your best; your reward is on earth,” she said.
The HOS urged the principals and directors to re-double their effort in 2015.
Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, Lagos State Commissioner for Education said that party was to thank the principals and directors for their wonderful performance in 2014.
She urged them to do more in their duties, adding that to whom much is given, much is expected.
“You are a veritable member of the education family and we are here to celebrate you and thank you for taking care of our children in your care.
“As you take care of the children, God will reward you all.
“We are not there yet but with your support, we will get their together,” she said.
Mr Segun Raheem, NUT Chairman, Lagos branch commended the government for appreciating the contributions of the principals and directors.
Raheem also commended the government for introducing Eko project, a World Bank supported project, saying it has improved students performance in many areas.
He said that teachers in Lagos were grossly inadequate and the available ones were not evenly distributed.
“We have few teachers in English, History, Music and Geography.
“The result of last May/June SSCE examination shows students perform poorly; as professionals, we need to come together to discuss and see if this is so.
“We should find out why students are failing English and not other subjects set in the same language,” he said.
Raheem urged the principals to adopt the ethics of teaching and do things right in their schools.
“Among teachers in Nigeria, teachers in Lagos are outstanding; the motivational activities have helped a lot.
Raheem urged the government to monitor projects being carried out by some contractors in some schools to ensure quality service.
Prof. Abisogun Leigh, former Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, (LASU) commended the government for giving bonus to its workers.
Leigh, also a former commissioner for education in 1978 in the state, said that Lagos State has performed well in the area of education.
“Teaching is a profession that teaches others, whether it is recognised or not, you should know that what you are doing is noble.
“Education is a wonderful profession and I am proud to be part of it,’’ he said.
The ministry also presented awards to some outstanding directors and principals in the six education districts. (NAN)
