The Katsina State Government has suspended the salaries of more than 100 public school teachers over absenteeism, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musawa, has confirmed.
Speaking during the pre-inauguration of the state’s Joint Education Sector Coordination Committee, Musawa revealed that the affected teachers had abandoned their duties for periods ranging from one to three months, yet expected to be paid regardless of their absence.
She cited a specific case involving a school principal who claimed to have resumed duties just days ago, well after schools had closed for the holidays more than a month earlier.
“No salaries will be paid to any teacher found to have absconded,” Musawa declared, adding that their status would only be reviewed in September after a case-by-case assessment.
The Commissioner also expressed concern about widespread absenteeism among teachers in the state’s public schools.
She noted that, in some instances, less than 60% of teachers show up for work, and many who are present fail to teach their assigned subjects.
During unscheduled visits to several schools, the Ministry made some troubling discoveries. In one school with over 75 teachers, only about 10 were present.
Another school, which reportedly has about 1,000 teachers, had just 80 on site, leaving most classrooms empty.
Musawa stressed that the poor level of commitment from teachers is undermining the quality of education in the state’s primary and secondary schools.
“Improving education starts with ensuring teachers fulfill their responsibilities,” she said.
To address these systemic challenges, the state government has initiated the formation of a Joint Education Sector Coordination Committee.
The committee will include key stakeholders such as Save the Children International, UNICEF.and other education-focused partners. Its goal is to identify gaps in the education system and propose sustainable solutions.
UNICEF’s Education Manager, Michael Banda, pledged the organization’s support for the committee, including financial backing for one year to aid its activities.
However, Banda emphasized the need for adequate representation from all relevant stakeholders to ensure the committee achieves its mission.
The Katsina government says it remains committed to overhauling the education sector and restoring discipline, accountability, and quality to the state’s schools.
