Katagum Emir Decries Teacher Absenteeism, Calls for Stricter Oversight
Abubakar Hardawa
The Emir of Katagum, Dr. Umar Faruk II, has expressed concern over persistent absenteeism and negligence among basic education teachers, urging education authorities and school administrators to enhance monitoring and supervision to curb the trend.
Participants at the opening of the NEDC training for Basic Education Teachers in Katagum
The Emir issued the charge during the opening of a five-day training workshop for 200 teachers and school managers from Bauchi North.
The event, organized by the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) in partnership with Project 19 Consultants Limited and the Bauchi State government, was held in Azare.
Represented by Sintalin Katagum, Engineer Magaji Dahuwa, the Emir criticized teachers’ habitual truancy and laxity, which he said undermines the quality of education.
He called for sanctions against erring educators to deter further misconduct.
“I commend the NEDC for this timely training, which is crucial for improving education standards,”he said.
“Teachers must uphold professionalism, apply effective teaching methodologies, and avoid negligence. They should also enhance their guidance and counseling skills to better mentor the younger generation for future leadership.”
Dr. Umar Faruk also stressed the importance of skills-based education to foster self-reliance among students and lauded the NEDC for its interventions in revitalizing the region’s education sector.
The NEDC Bauchi State Coordinator, Malam Aliyu Isyaku, praised the commission’s efforts in poverty alleviation and urged participants to maximize the training, particularly in STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Agriculture).
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Adamu Duguri—represented by Director of School Services, Malam Zuhairu Usman—linked teacher negligence to dishonesty and called for more initiatives like the NEDC’s to improve education standards.
In a goodwill message, the Provost of Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, Professor Sadiya Asabe Mohammed represented by Librarian, Malam Ali Nasir, welcomed participants and wished them fruitful deliberations.
A Resource Person, Professor Auwal Abdulhamid commended the NEDC for its educational interventions and encouraged teachers to continually upgrade their skills to remain effective.
