Graduate teachers in Delta State public primary schools have received a major career breakthrough following the ratification of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s approval allowing them to advance from Grade Level 14 to Grade Level 17.
The decision was unanimously endorsed by members of the Joint Allocation Committee (JAC) during a meeting in Asaba attended by local government chairmen, education officials and other key stakeholders.
Commissioner for Primary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, described the approval as a historic achievement that addresses a long-standing concern among graduate teachers.
She said the policy reflects the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare and strengthening the state’s education sector.
According to her, removing the previous promotion ceiling will make public primary schools more attractive to qualified graduates while boosting the morale of teachers already in the system.
Ezewu noted that the development aligns with the governor’s MORE Agenda, which focuses on expanding opportunities and improving public service delivery.
She also praised the contributions of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), local government council chairmen and other stakeholders whose collaboration made the initiative possible.
While congratulating teachers, she urged them to match the new opportunity with greater commitment, professionalism and dedication.
She stressed that the improved career progression carries increased responsibility, calling on teachers to prepare adequately for classes and remain focused on delivering quality education.
She expressed confidence that the enhanced motivation would lead to better classroom performance and improved learning outcomes for pupils across the state.
Commissioner for the Directorate of Local Government Affairs, Hon. Kelly Penawou, said the governor’s reforms have strengthened local governments financially, enabling councils to pay salaries promptly while executing developmental projects in their communities.
The Chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, Hon. Samuel Mariere, said the approval was designed to attract and retain highly qualified teachers in public primary schools.
Although the National Certificate in Education remains the minimum teaching qualification, he explained that allowing graduate teachers to rise to Grade Level 17 would encourage more degree holders to embrace careers in basic education.
Mariere commended the Joint Allocation Committee for unanimously supporting the policy, describing the decision as a significant step toward raising educational standards across Delta State.
In separate remarks, leaders of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Local Government Service Commission applauded Governor Oborevwori for the initiative.
They said the new career structure would inspire teachers, improve classroom instruction and contribute to better academic performance among pupils in public primary schools.
