Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board has relieved 2,357 teachers of their appointments due to their alleged inability to pass the competence test conducted by the state government.
KADSUBEB, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Hauwa Mohammed, said the Board conducted a competence test for over 30,000 teachers in December 2021.
Mohammed disclosed that 2,192 primary school teachers, including the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, who refused to sit for the test, had been dismissed.
She added that some 165 of the 27,662 teachers that sat for the competence test were also sacked for poor performances.
The KADSUBEB statement read, “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.”
The Board stated that qualified teachers would be included in Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programmes to enhance their capacity to deliver quality teaching to pupils.
It further stated, “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.”
But in a swift reaction, NUT State Chairman, Ibrahim Dalhatu, said the competence test and the sack of the teachers 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.
