Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB), has sacked the Kaduna state chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ibrahim Dalhatu and N2,357 other teachers.
The Public Relations Officer of the Board, Hauwa Mohammed in a statement on Sunday said the sack was based on poor performance in the competence test conducted for over 30,000 teachers in December 2021.
According to the statement, while 2,192 primary school teachers were sacked for failing the competence test, the NUT state chairman was sacked for refusing to sit for the test.
“Following the state government’s resolution for continued assessment of teachers to ensure better delivery of learning outcomes for pupils, KADSUBEB conducted another competency test for the teachers in December 2021.
“The services of teachers who scored below 40 per cent are no longer required and their appointments have been terminated from the Public Service for their poor performances.
“Teachers who scored 75 percent and above were recognized as those who passed the test and qualified for attending courses in leadership and school management.
“Teachers who scored between 40 and 74 percent did not meet up with the minimum pass mark, they will be given a second chance to improve their capacities.
“KADSUBEB has initiated viable training programs for teachers under its statutory TPD with support from the state government and development partners.
“The training programmes will be conducted during the end of term vacation and in their respective schools, to minimize disruptions of teaching and learning.
“They are also encouraged to complement the government’s efforts and seek personal development for their good.
“The board is assuring teachers and the public that it remains committed to ensuring their continuous professional development and the improvement of the learning outcomes of pupils and students.”
NUT’s reaction
But in a swift reaction, the NUT chairman, Ibrahim Dalhatu said the bit test and the sack were illegal actions.
“We have secured a court order restraining the Board from conducting the competency test, it conducted the test without recourse to the rule of law,” he said.
Dalhatu explained that the union instructed the teachers not to write the examination after learning that the intent was to sack them.
He said although the union was not opposed to the conduct of the test, it should not be used as a basis for sacking teachers.