The Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has taken decisive action against absenteeism and misconduct among its teaching staff.
Following an unannounced inspection of schools outside the Bauchi metropolis, SUBEB’s Executive Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Duguri, announced the demotion, suspension, and issuance of queries to several staff members found wanting.
He also promoted deserving staff to boost morale and enhance service delivery in the education sector.
In a significant move, Duguri dissolved all Bauchi Local Government Education Authority Supervisors, instructing them to return to classroom teaching immediately.
This decision was prompted by gross misconduct observed among the supervisors, which Duguri described as unpatriotic.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort to address persistent issues in the state’s education system.
In October 2024, SUBEB summoned 57 teachers from various government primary and junior secondary schools for alleged gross misconduct and absenteeism.
The affected teachers, from schools including GJSS Miri, Gumli, Haka Yafi, Tsohon Kamfani, and Guru Junior Secondary School, were directed to appear before the Board to explain their actions.
Duguri expressed concern over the persistent absenteeism by some teachers without valid reasons, reaffirming his commitment to reforming the basic education system.
The Education Secretary of the Bauchi Local Government Authority, Hajiya Talatu Yakubu, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the monitoring exercise in the Bauchi metropolis, where classes had resumed correctly with many students and teachers.
This was in contrast to schools outside the metropolis, where teacher absenteeism discouraged student attendance.
Yakubu reaffirmed the state government’s plan to stop the salaries of teachers who abscond without any genuine written reason and promised to reward dedicated staff.
She also commended Governor Bala Mohammed and the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Duguri, for their passion for education and the state’s overall development.
The crackdown on absenteeism comes amid broader challenges in Bauchi’s education sector. Investigations have revealed that many primary schools, especially in rural areas, suffer from a shortage of qualified teachers, dilapidated infrastructure, and poor remuneration of existing staff.
Some schools have been forced to close, while others are run by volunteer teachers or community development committees.
Governor Bala Mohammed has acknowledged these challenges, noting that the state has not recruited teachers into public schools since 2015.
He has pledged to address the issues, including recruiting new teachers and improving school infrastructure.
The recent actions by SUBEB signal a renewed commitment to tackling the systemic issues plaguing Bauchi’s education sector and ensuring that students receive quality education.
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