Abia State government has issued a stern warning to public school teachers in the state, cautioning against misconduct, dereliction, and negligence of duty.
The warning was handed down by the Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lydia Onuoha.
She said that the Abia State government observed with dismay the growing trend of irregular attendance and absenteeism among some public school teachers in the state despite laudable efforts and interventions of the administration of Governor Alex Otti towards a better welfare for them.
She announced that such disciplinary measures would be applied on any identified teacher in line with Public Service Rule and Teachers Code of Conduct
“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 warned.
The ASUBEB Executive Chairman described the development as unacceptable and gross breach of professional ethics, public service rules and betrayal of the trust reposed on educators to build the minds of future generations.
She noted that the administration of Governor Alex Otti had been committed to the welfare of teachers, adding that teachers now received salaries promptly and consistently without delay.
She pointed out that teachers’ promotions that were long overdue had been approved with leave allowance, while 27.5% Teachers Special Salary TSS, had also been actualized.
ASUBEB announced that it will be rolling out a statewide monitoring and enforcement strategy in partnership with the LG education authorities and school-based management committee, adding that the steps include introduction of Biometric Attendance Systems in schools to monitor and track daily teachers’ presence and punctuality.
She added that the measures would include surprise visits and audits in public primary and junior secondary schools, as well as regular submission of attendance reports by head teachers to the local government education authorities and ASUBEB.
