The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has reacted to the proposed protest by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over a recent meeting between the Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG) Dr. Kingsley Emu and the leadership of ASUSS, describing the planned action as unnecessary and against the interest of secondary school teachers.
Speaking with our reporter, the Chairman of the Union, Comrade Kenneth Okoh maintained that there was nothing wrong with the SSG meeting with the leadership of a union that has been legally recognised by the Delta State Government since 2017, stressing that no individual or organisation has the constitutional authority to determine whom the government should engage.
The Comrade Okoh questioned why the NUT would seek to protest against the SSG for holding discussions with ASUSS at a time when the promotion file for the 2026 batch of secondary school teachers is reportedly before the SSG for endorsement.
According to Okoh, embarking on a protest at such a critical period could jeopardise the promotion process for secondary school teachers and undermine ongoing efforts by the state government to improve their welfare.
He further called on secondary school teachers across the state to disregard the proposed July 30, 2026 protest, insisting that participation in the action would not serve their collective interest.
The union also reiterated its position that secondary school teachers should not be subjected to the control of a union primarily representing primary school teachers, arguing that ASUSS was established to cater specifically to the interests of teachers in secondary schools.
While encouraging the Delta State Government to remain committed to the principles of the rule of law and freedom of association, ASUSS urged the government to continue engaging with all legally recognised unions without intimidation or undue interference.
The Chairman expressed confidence that the government would remain focused on policies and decisions that promote the welfare of teachers and strengthen the education sector in the state.
