By Gbenga Ariyibi, Ado Ekiti

In a bid to motivate teachers towards improving the education sector,Ekiti State Government has disbursed about N282.6million as car and housing loans to teaching and non_teaching staff of public schools in the state.

This was disclosed yesterday in Ado Ekiti by the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi while presenting cheques to the 1,082 beneficiaries of the first phase of the newly reintroduced loan scheme for teachers in the state, Kayode Fayemi explained that the gesture was in line with his administration determination to motivate teachers towards improving the education sector.

It may be recalled that the car and housing loan scheme was cancelled by the immediate past administration led by Engr Segun Oni.

The governor who expressed hope that the reintroduction of the loan scheme would spur the workforce in the sector towards achieving a more efficient service delivery, assured that he would continue to accord priority attention to the welfare of teachers in order to achieve the desired result.

He lamented the prevailing dilapidated state of education and stressed the resolve of his administration to leave no stone unturned towards revamping and restoring the sector to its pride of place.

The governor further disclosed the determination of his administration to appoint a Tutor_General for each of the three senatorial districts in the state for effective monitoring of the sector adding that the present administration in partnership with the Federal Government has almost concluded arrangement on a proposed housing project in of the senatorial districts as part of efforts at raising the standard of education in the state.

He however warned the teachers to avoid engaging in partisan politics which according to him, would affect their dedication to service.

Reiterating his administration’s zero tolerance for indolence and indiscipline, Governor Fayemi also stressed the need to reciprocate government’s gesture by putting in their best towards achieving the desired goals.

The Executive Secretary of the State Teaching Service Commission, Mr. Oyebanji Alabi had explained that the beneficiaries of the loan were selected from across the sixteen local government areas based on their current financial obligation and amount they desired.

Meanwhile the Chairman of the Ekiti State Chapter of The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Yemi Omoyeni has appealed to the state government to extend the loan scheme to the primary school teachers.

According to him, the gesture would empower them and safe them from the cutthroat rate charged by bank that they currently patronized.