The Kebbi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has strongly refuted a viral video circulating on social media that claims the state is suffering from poor education funding and inadequate teacher remuneration. The union characterized the video as old and doctored, asserting that it misrepresents the state government's efforts in the education sector.

In a statement released on Monday, Zaki Sarki, the NUT Chairman, condemned the video as a deliberate attempt to discredit the administration of Governor Nasir Idris. He accused certain individuals, allegedly backed by opposition politicians, of circulating the misleading content to incite unrest among teachers and other public workers.

Sarki emphasized that the claims made in the video are not only misleading but also fail to recognize the significant strides made by the Idris administration since it took office. He highlighted that the government has made considerable improvements in teachers' welfare, including a salary review that raised earnings from below the minimum wage to N75,000.

The NUT Chairman pointed to various initiatives undertaken by the state government, such as the construction of mega schools across the four emirates, the establishment of over 2,500 classrooms, and the recruitment of more than 2,000 teachers. Additionally, he mentioned the provision of essential learning materials and furniture as part of the government's commitment to enhancing the educational landscape in Kebbi.

Sarki stated, "To drag the image of a government that has built mega schools in the four emirates, constructed over 2,500 classrooms, recruited over 2,000 teachers and provided furniture and learning aids into the mud is, to say the least, a desperate attempt to smear the hard-earned reputation of the administration." He underscored the visible improvements in the education sector under the current government, countering the narrative presented in the viral video.

The NUT has called on opposition politicians and critics to differentiate between constructive criticism and the dissemination of manipulated materials that could mislead the public. Sarki urged those making claims about the state of education in Kebbi to verify their information against available records before drawing conclusions.

As Nigeria approaches the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, the controversy surrounding the video has reignited discussions about teachers’ welfare and the overall state of education in the country. The NUT has reiterated its commitment to engaging with the government on issues affecting teachers while supporting policies designed to improve the quality of education across Kebbi State.