By Ernest Sumelong
Wayward education inspectors, school heads and teachers have been called to order in the wake of deteriorating morals within the Basic Education corps in the Southwest.
The Southwest pioneer Basic Education Delegate, Joseph Njika, reproached his collaborators during a joint ceremony, Thursday, March 6, to hand over 15 computers from the Ministry to Basic Education to Inspectors and school heads, and to receive New Year wishes.
He pointed out, among other things, misuse of didactic materials, unjustified absences from work, failure by contract teachers to assume duty, uncalled-for visits by education inspectors to schools, swindling of examination dues by head teachers and lack of initiative.
However, the Basic Education staff was heaped kudos for their hard work that led to an 80 percent score at the Common Entrance and First School Leaving Certificate Examinations. The Delegate expressed thanks for the teachers' sacrifices and collaboration that contributed to the successes they have recorded.
To mend the problem of acute shortage of teachers, Njika announced that the Ministry has recruited about 600 contract and PTA teachers for the province. He also said the salary arrears of some 300 contract teachers are ready and the concerned teachers could begin to receive payment at the Buea Treasury. Also, Basic Education Ministry has provided FCFA 60 million to complete the Delegation's new office, the Delegate revealed.
Earlier, the Chief of Personnel at the Delegation of Basic Education, Stephen Echu Ndip, while speaking on behalf of staff, said the Delegation suffers from an acute shortage of working space for the staff, needs toilet facilities, service vehicles and office stationeries. He requested the Delegate to make a tour of the Divisions, especially the enclave areas, to commune and better ascertain the situation of schools.
He, nonetheless, flooded the Njika with praises for numerous successes recording since he assumed his post three years ago.With the exception of Lebialem Division, Basic Education Delegates, inspectors, school heads and teachers from the various Divisions attended the occasion.
The ceremony took place at the eve of end of year examinations, making it prime for the Delegation to take stock of its activities and find new paths for the coming academic year.
Comments