You will find them under trees gossiping and breaking egusi - NSUBEB Chairman laments how Nasarawa teachers turned schools into gossip centers

Nasarawa’s Education Crisis: NSUBEB Chairman Decries Teachers’ Neglect and Misconduct

In a striking and candid address, Dr. Kassim Muhammad Kassim, the Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), has voiced deep concern over the deteriorating state of primary education in the region.

His remarks, delivered during a public engagement, painted a troubling picture of widespread teacher absenteeism and misconduct that threatens the future of thousands of schoolchildren across Nasarawa State.

Dr. Kassim lamented that many primary school teachers have abandoned their core responsibilities, turning school premises into informal social hubs rather than centers of learning. He described scenes where teachers, during official teaching hours, gather under trees to gossip, while female teachers are reportedly seen breaking egusi, a local melon seed used in cooking, rather than instructing pupils. This vivid imagery served to underscore the gravity of the situation and the extent of disengagement from professional duties.

The chairman’s critique extended beyond mere absenteeism. He accused some teachers of actively undermining the education system by stealing government-provided school furniture and selling it to private institutions. Such acts, he warned, not only betray public trust but also deprive students of basic learning infrastructure, further compounding the challenges faced by the education sector.

Dr. Kassim urged educators to recommit to their vocation, emphasizing that teaching is a noble profession that should not be compromised. He called on the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to support Governor Abdullahi Sule’s reforms, which have ended the controversial practice of percentage salary payments and ensured the implementation of long-overdue promotions.

According to Kassim, these reforms represent a significant improvement in teachers’ welfare and should inspire greater dedication to duty.

He also appealed to teachers to elect union leaders who would not only advocate for their rights but also hold them accountable and encourage ethical conduct. Kassim stressed that quality education goes beyond infrastructure, it requires committed teachers who can impart knowledge effectively. He expressed dismay that many pupils in Nasarawa State still struggle with basic literacy, a situation he attributed to the negligence of educators.

The chairman’s remarks have sparked public debate, with some defending the teachers by pointing out the lack of staff rooms and conducive working environments in many schools. Others acknowledged the systemic issues but emphasized the need for personal responsibility and professional integrity among educators.

Ultimately, Dr. Kassim’s address serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders in Nasarawa’s education sector. His candid observations highlight the urgent need for reforms that go beyond policy and infrastructure, focusing instead on restoring discipline, accountability, and a sense of purpose within the teaching profession.