From: Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
No fewer than 45 percent of teachers were absent from duty as Governor Kashim Shettima takes roll call during his unscheduled visits to public schools in Maiduguri, Borno State capital yesterday.
Shettima who was at Lamisula Primary and Junior Secondary School in Maiduguri yesterday, expressed concern over increasing absent of teachers in school at a period the state is contending with thousands of out-of-schools children and youths caused by Boko Haram.
The governor who said the absence of 43 out of total 87 teachers in a school located at the heart of the city was worrisome, warning that such act must stop. He said those who were not found at their duty post will be punished in accordance with the civil service rules.
“Those absent will face punishment to serve as deterrent to other teachers and workers,” Shettima said.
He also ordered the State Mechanical workshop to move students desks and chairs to the school having found many of the students sitting on bare floor.
“It is really disturbing that in the heart of Maiduguri, our children are sitting on the floor to learn despite thousands of school desks we have distributed. We have desks here that are bad and kept in one class, no one brought this to my attention and children who are desirous of learning are now seating on the floor,” he lamented.