By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Kassim Muhammad-Kassim, has approved the immediate suspension of the Education Secretary of Lafia Local Government Area, Usman Aliyu, for absenting himself from duty.
Dr. Kassim, who is on a tour of primary and junior secondary schools across the state, said the suspension is intended to serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt to sabotage his administration’s renewed vision for basic education.
The chairman gave the directive during one of his unscheduled visits to schools to assess teaching standards, infrastructure, and general performance. He expressed disappointment that the Education Secretary was not on seat to receive him or brief him on the state of schools under his jurisdiction.
Accompanied by two permanent members of the board, the board secretary, and all line directors, Dr. Kassim arrived at the office around 12 noon only to find it deserted. With no prior notice or valid excuse for the Secretary’s absence, the chairman directed that Mr. Usman Aliyu report to his office within the week to offer an explanation and face possible disciplinary action.
Visibly upset, the NSUBEB boss described the Secretary’s conduct as “intolerable and unprofessional,” especially at a time when the board is working hard to reposition basic education across the 13 local government areas.
“If the government is fulfilling its obligation by paying teachers and education staff as and when due, then it is only fair for them to reciprocate by being diligent and present at their duty posts,” he said.
He noted that such dereliction of duty will no longer be tolerated under his watch, adding: “Maybe he thinks it’s business as usual, but he won’t find it funny with me.”
During the visit, the chairman also inspected various centers where the School-Based Cluster Training is currently taking place. He lamented the rising encroachment on school lands and warned perpetrators to desist or face legal action.
At the training centers and schools visited, he listened to numerous complaints from head teachers regarding dilapidated infrastructure, shortage of instructional materials, lack of teacher motivation, and unpaid training allowances.
In response, he immediately approved the payment of training allowances and assured that action would be taken to address the other challenges, including the shortage of teachers and the improvement of school facilities, particularly in rural areas.
Dr. Kassim reiterated that training and retraining of teachers is a key policy of his administration, aimed at equipping them with modern teaching skills to deliver quality education to children in Nasarawa State.