NEWS
Abia Teachers Risk Dismissal for Absenteeism
The Abia state Government has
warned public school teachers in the state against all manners of misconduct dereliction and negligence of duty.
The Executive Chairman, Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lady Lydia Onuoha handed down the warning on Tuesday, during a press conference in Umuahia.
Onuoha emphasized that such attitudes would henceforth attract severe consequences.
She frowned at the growing trend of irregular attendance and absenteeism among some public school teachers in the state, despite laudable efforts and interventions of Governor Alex Otti towards a better welfare for them.
She described the development as not only unacceptable, but a gross breach of professional ethics, Public Service Rules and betrayal of the trust reposed in educators to build the minds of future generations.
“The full weight of public service rules shall be invoked where necessary, and the government will not hesitate to act in the interest of the children and the future of our state.”
Some Journalists at the press conference
The ASUBEB boss noted with delight that commitment of the administration to the welfare of teachers as teachers, who now receive salaries promptly and consistently.
She further added that promotion of teachers that were long overdue have been approved with leave allowance with 27.5% Teachers special salary ( TSS) also been actualized.
“The 27.5% Teachers Special Salary (TSS) has been actualized, And over 20% of the Abia State 2025 Budget has been committed to the education sector, demonstrating a high level of priority and sincerity of purpose, one of the highest in the country”
Onuoha announced that, going forward, the Board will be rolling out a statewide monitoring and enforcement strategy through the introduction of Biometric Attendance Systems to monitor and track daily teachers presence and punctuality.
More Journalists at the briefing
Other measures include; strengthening of Quality Assurance and Monitoring Teams to conduct unannounced visits and audits across public primary and junior secondary schools, submission of monthly attendance reports by Head Teachers to their respective Local Government Education Authorities and ASUBEB for review and compliance checks.
“Together, let us uphold the vision of a New Abia where education is not just free and compulsory, but also impactful, purposeful, and transformational.
“Let me reiterate, this administration is not just committed to building more classrooms; we are committed to filling them with qualified, present, motivated and responsible teachers.
“Teachers must reciprocate the goodwill of this government by being physically present, professionally prepared, and morally committed” Lady Onuoha noted.
The ASUBEB boss called on parents and members of the public to reach out to the Board through its customer care line on 07076904864 for complaints, inquiries and to report of erring schools and teachers to enable government monitor and carry out necessary enforcement.