245 Absentee Teachers Pardoned After Apologies

The Jigawa State Government has reinstated 245 public school teachers whose salaries were previously suspended over prolonged absenteeism and other misconduct.

The affected teachers, who had deserted their duties for periods ranging from two months to three years, were pardoned after issuing formal apologies and signing undertakings to abide by civil service regulations. 

The resolution followed disciplinary meeting convened by the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) on Monday at the NUT Conference Hall in Dutse, the state capital.

Investigations by the Board revealed that in some cases, the absentee teachers had illegally recruited unqualified individuals to stand in for them while they continued to draw salaries from the state government.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Professor Haruna Musa, expressed concern over the unprofessional conduct of the teachers involved. 

He noted that their actions violated the standards expected in the public education sector and emphasized the government’s resolve to enforce discipline.

“The era of teachers neglecting their duties is over, as there is now a system to restore the dignity of basic education,” he said.

The Executive Chairman added that the Board’s recent move signals a shift towards greater accountability in the state’s educational system.

“The Board’s crackdown on absenteeism aims to improve the quality of education and reduce the number of out-of-school children,” he noted.

Also addressing the gathering, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Education, Dr. Hauwa Babura, commended Governor Umar Namadi’s unwavering commitment to overhauling the education system. 

“Everyone will account for their actions on the Day of Judgment. The Jigawa State Government’s efforts to restore dignity to basic education are evident in its actions against absentee teachers.

“By holding teachers accountable, the government aims to ensure that students receive the quality education they deserve,” Babura said.

She also acknowledged the teachers’ repentance and readiness to recommit to their duties, describing it as a step in the right direction toward strengthening the public education sector.