DSS Shuts School, Sacks 140 Teachers In Abuja

Department of State Services has sacked 140 teachers and other staff members of its Community Staff Schools, Asokoro, Abuja, following their demands for better conditions of service and regularisation of their appointment

The service was also said to have shut down the institution while directing the 1,800 pupils in the nursery, primary and secondary classes to stay at home for two weeks.

Trouble began when the teachers demanded the regularisation of their appointment and an increase in their salaries and other emoluments following an increase in the school tuition.

In response, the authorities issued a letter 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, while children of senior DSS officers were required to pay N45,000 up from N35,000 per term.

In the letter of disengagement 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.”