Abia Government Launches Crackdown on Absentee Teachers, Introduces School Monitoring Measures

The Abia State Government has issued a stern warning to public school teachers, vowing to clamp down on absenteeism, negligence, and other forms of professional misconduct.

Lady Lydia Onuoha, Executive Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), delivered the warning on Tuesday at the Board’s headquarters in Umuahia. She expressed concern over what she described as a troubling rise in teacher absenteeism and irregular attendance, despite Governor Alex Otti’s administration making significant efforts to improve teachers’ welfare.

Onuoha made it clear that such actions will no longer be tolerated, stressing that erring teachers will face strict disciplinary measures, including queries, suspension, or dismissal in line with Public Service Rules and the Teachers’ Code of Conduct.

“The government will not hesitate to apply the full provisions of the Public Service Rules when necessary. Our priority is to protect the education and future of Abia’s children,” she stated.

The ASUBEB Chair described the situation as an unacceptable violation of professional standards, saying it undermines the trust placed in teachers to nurture the next generation.

She noted that under Governor Otti’s leadership, teachers’ welfare has been prioritised like never before, with prompt and consistent salary payments, approval of long-delayed promotions, payment of leave allowances, and the implementation of the 27.5% Teachers Special Salary (TSS).

“Abia State now allocates over 20% of its 2025 budget to education one of the highest in the country underscoring the government’s sincerity and commitment to transforming the sector,” she added.

To ensure accountability, Onuoha announced that ASUBEB, in collaboration with Local Government Education Authorities and School-Based Management Committees, is rolling out a comprehensive statewide monitoring strategy.

Key elements of the initiative include the introduction of biometric attendance systems to track daily teacher attendance and punctuality, as well as the deployment of strengthened Quality Assurance and Monitoring Teams to conduct surprise visits and audits of public primary and junior secondary schools.

In addition, headteachers will be required to submit monthly attendance reports to their respective LG Education Authorities and ASUBEB.

She urged teachers and education stakeholders to support the administration’s vision of a “New Abia,” where education is not only free and compulsory but also effective and life-changing.

“This government is not just building classrooms we are committed to ensuring they are filled with qualified, motivated, and accountable teachers. We expect teachers to reciprocate this goodwill by being present, prepared, and committed to their duties,” Onuoha emphasised.

She also encouraged parents and members of the public to play their part by reporting teacher misconduct, absenteeism, or school-related complaints via the ASUBEB customer care line: 07076904864.