In a sweeping move to address administrative inefficiencies and improve learning conditions in public primary schools, the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Kassim Muhammad Kassim, has directed the immediate redeployment of 1,300 administrative staff with teaching qualifications back to classrooms across the state.
The redeployment affects staff drawn from the total 3,422 administrative personnel across the 13 local government areas and 18 development areas of Nasarawa State.
Dr. Kassim, who gave the directive during a meeting with Education Secretaries on Wednesday at the board's headquarters, decried the lopsided staffing structure that has left rural schools understaffed while qualified teachers remain in administrative roles.
"We cannot have a shortage of classroom teachers while those trained to teach are sitting in offices as supervisors. What are they supervising when there are no teachers in the schools?" he queried.
Crackdown on Diverted Furniture
In a related development, Dr. Kassim expressed dismay over the diversion of furniture meant for pupils in public schools, accusing some Education Secretaries and Head Teachers of selling government-supplied desks and chairs to private schools and individuals.
"It is unacceptable for our children to sit on bare floors while government-provided furniture ends up in private homes and schools," he fumed.
He revealed plans to collaborate with the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to investigate and recover all diverted items. Suspected private schools and homes found with SUBEB furniture will be visited, and offenders will be made to disclose their suppliers.
4,800 Teachers to Be Recruited for Rural Areas
The NSUBEB boss also announced the Governor’s approval for the recruitment of 4,800 qualified teachers for primary schools, under a new initiative titled “Recruitment of Teachers in Rural Areas.” Dr. Kassim emphasized that all successful applicants must be ready to serve in rural communities, noting that none would be posted to urban areas.
"Our priority is to revive rural schools and encourage parents, especially in riverine and remote areas, to send their children to school," he said.
Zero Tolerance for Salary Deductions and School Land Abuse
Dr. Kassim warned Education Secretaries against illegal deductions from teachers' salaries, except where disciplinary measures are approved by the board. He stressed that teachers' salaries are already modest and must not be tampered with.
Furthermore, he prohibited the unauthorized allocation of school land to small businesses, warning that any such action without board approval would attract sanctions. He also revealed plans to establish maintenance units in every local government to safeguard SUBEB facilities and monitor project standards.
Contractors on Notice
The NSUBEB Chairman issued a stern warning to contractors executing school renovation projects. He vowed to revoke poorly executed contracts and withhold payments until satisfactory work is delivered.
"We cannot afford to renovate the same school every year. Any contractor who does substandard work will not be paid," he said.
Dr. Kassim concluded by reiterating his commitment to reforming the education sector and changing the narrative in line with the Governor’s vision.
"I was appointed to make a difference, and I will not hesitate to step on toes if that is what it takes to restore integrity and quality to our basic education system," he declared.
