The Abia state Universal Basic Education Board ASUBEB has warned public school Teachers in the state that non-attendance, habitual lateness or dereliction of duty will henceforth attract serious consequences including query, suspension and dismissal in line with civil service rules and Teachers Code of Conduct.
The Executive Chairman ASUBEB, Lady Lydia Onuoha who gave the warning during a press conference in her Office in Ogurube layout Umuahia, expressed displeasure that despite laudable efforts and interventions of the administration of Governor Alex Otti towards a better welfare, that some teachers still absent themselves from duty.
She described the development as not only unacceptable, but a gross breach of professional ethics, public service Rules and betrayal of the trust reposed on educators to build the minds of future generations.
Lady Onuoha noted with joy that the education friendly administration of Governor Alex Otti has been committed to the welfare of teachers as teachers now receive salaries promptly and consistently without delay.
The Executive Chairman ASUBEB equally noted that teachers promotion that were long overdue have been approved with leave allowance while 27.5% Teachers special salary ( TSS) has 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”
She said going forward, the Board will be rolling out a statewide monitoring and enforcement strategy in partnership with the local government Education Authorities and School Based Management Committee, adding that the steps includes introduction of Biometric Attendance Systems in schools to monitor and track daily teachers presence and punctuality.
Lady Onuoha said 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.
“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”.
She urged Teachers and other stakeholders in the education sector to uphold the vision of a New Abia where education is not just free and compulsory, but also impactful, purposeful, and transformational.
“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.
