A group known as Concerned Teachers, Lagos State, has petitioned the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the continued retention of the union’s National Treasurer, Comrade Adesegun Ganiu Raheem, despite his retirement from the Lagos State Teaching Service.
The petition, addressed to the NUT national headquarters in Abuja, stated that Raheem’s retirement takes effect from July 16, 2025, stressing that the union’s constitution clearly disqualifies retired teachers from holding union offices.
According to the petitioners, “any teacher ceases to be a member or officer of the union upon retirement or death,” as provided in the NUT constitution.
Citing specific provisions, the petition stated:
“Article 4(i, ii, iii)(c)(b), Article 4(III)(c), and Article 29(c) of the Union constitution are quite explicit and unambiguous and should be adhered to in the case under reference.”
The group warned that failure to comply with constitutional provisions could have serious consequences, noting that actions taken contrary to the union’s laws carry “both moral and legal implications either now or subsequently.”
They called for the immediate replacement of the retired treasurer in line with constitutional procedures and demanded that the Lagos State Wing of the NUT be allowed to nominate a replacement to fill the vacancy created by Raheem’s retirement.
While acknowledging his past contributions, the petitioners stated:
“We appreciate the contribution of the retired officer, Comrade Adesegun Ganiu Raheem, to the union while his services lasted.”
They urged the NUT leadership to act promptly to prevent escalation of the matter.
Lawyers Petition Registrar of Trade Unions
In a related development, Orobode & Adegoke & Co., acting on behalf of several retired NUT members, has written to the Registrar of Trade Unions at the Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity, seeking Raheem’s removal.
The lawyers argued that Raheem attained the mandatory retirement age on July 16, 2025, and has therefore exceeded his constitutional tenure as treasurer.
They called on the Registrar to invoke powers under Sections 41 and 42 of the Trade Union Act to investigate and audit the union’s accounts.
“Your office needs to invoke your power of inquisition and investigation as postulated in Sections 41 and 42 of the Trade Union Act before things get out of hand,” the letter stated.
The firm also rejected a three-man committee reportedly set up by the union’s trustees, describing it as ultra vires and outside the powers of the Registrar.
Among their demands are the suspension of the treasurer, a forensic audit of union finances, and investigations into the management of union properties.
The lawyers further requested clarification on the status of several NUT properties, including the legacy secretariat at 15 Rosamond Street, Surulere, the property at 29 Commercial Avenue, Yaba, and an undeveloped parcel of land in Victoria Island, alleging opacity in their management.
They warned that the matter would be taken to the National Industrial Court if their demands are not addressed.
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