Enugu Government Denies Unjust Dismissal of Teachers: Praise for Governor Mbah’s Efforts

The Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Dr. Gabriel Ajah, has dismissed allegations of unjust dismissal of five teachers in the board’s service.

He emphasized the agency’s commitment to upholding discipline and the code of conduct, which would ensure improved standards of education in the state.

Ajah clarified that the teachers were dismissed due to misconduct, truancy, absence from duty without permission, insubordination, and other acts that contravene the Public Service Rules.

He stressed that it was disingenuous to link the disciplinary action to any minimum wage agitation, as Governor Peter Mbah had promptly approved the extension of N30,000 minimum wage to primary school teachers, which was paid in their February salaries after many years of waiting.

The dismissed teachers, including Mrs. Ujunwa Onyia, have since submitted a written and unreserved apology, admitting their wrongdoing and expressing their regret for any offense or embarrassment caused.

They have pledged to regain trust and prove their value as members of the school community.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Enugu State has expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage to primary school teachers.

The union emphasized that it did not support acts of indiscipline and breach of the state’s Civil Service Rules by teachers.

They clarified that the sanctioned teachers were not members of the NUT executive in the state and did not consult with the body before embarking on the actions that led to their dismissal.

The Enugu NUT Chairman, Comrade Theophilus Nweke, pledged the teachers’ total support for Governor Mbah’s efforts to improve the education sector in the state.

He acknowledged the governor’s quick response to the teachers’ concerns, stating that a committee was set up to look into the issues and recommended the payment of the teachers’ minimum wage.

The Enugu Government and the teachers’ union have denied allegations of unjust dismissal of teachers and praised Governor Mbah’s efforts to address the challenges faced by educators in the state.