Retired Kogi School Teacher Voices Anguish Over 35-Year Gratuity Delay
Idanaku, who claimed he was employed in 1976 as an auxiliary teacher and retired in 2017, lamented the lack of improved welfare during his tenure. Despite his dedicated service, he highlighted how the teaching profession in the state deteriorated over the years, with irregular payment of salaries and dwindling welfare benefits.
AKACHI NOEL 
Imam Idanaku, a retired school teacher and former acting education secretary of Kogi State, has taken to social media to express his frustration over the non-payment of his gratuity despite serving the state government for 35 years.
Idanaku, who claimed he was employed in 1976 as an auxiliary teacher and retired in 2017, lamented the lack of improved welfare during his tenure. Despite his dedicated service, he highlighted how the teaching profession in the state deteriorated over the years, with irregular payment of salaries and dwindling welfare benefits.
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He recalled a time when monthly salaries were sufficient for a comfortable life, but as different administrations came and went, conditions worsened for teachers. Idanaku shared his journey of acquiring additional skills to support his livelihood amidst the financial challenges faced by educators in the state.
Despite his hopes for improvement with the appointment of Governor Yahaya Bello, Idanaku expressed disappointment over prolonged salary delays and inadequate support during his tenure as Acting Education Secretary. He recounted the hardships he endured, including borrowing funds to run his office and the stress of supporting his family amid financial uncertainty.
Furthermore, Idanaku highlighted the agony of waiting for his pension and gratuity, which remains unpaid even after retirement. He expressed despair over his deteriorating health due to the financial strain and lack of access to medical care.
Through his poignant narrative, Idanaku sheds light on the struggles faced by retired educators in Kogi State and calls attention to the need for better support and timely payments for pensioners and gratuities.
