The Taraba State Government has stepped up monitoring of secondary schools across the state, with the Ministry of Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education warning that it will not tolerate acts of indiscipline capable of undermining the quality of education in the state.
The monitoring exercise, led by the Honorable Commissioner, Permanent Secretary and Secretary of the Ministry, the teams of ministry officials deployed to various schools across Jalingo to assess teachers’ attendance, lesson preparation and delivery, students’ academic activities, school administration and general compliance with government directives.
Among the schools visited were Government Science Secondary Schools (GSSS) Jalingo, Government Secondary Schools (GSS) Jalingo, Government College Jalingo, Government Schools for Islamic and Arabic Studies Jalingo, Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Sabon Gari, GDSS Magami, GDSS Nukkai, GTTS Jalingo, among others.
The exercise provided the Ministry with an opportunity to assess firsthand the realities within the schools and identify areas requiring immediate intervention as schools resumed.
However, the monitoring teams observed some disturbing practices in certain schools, including the absence of some teachers from duty without genuine or justifiable reasons, failure to prepare lesson plans, lateness to work, use of outdated curriculum and cases of gross insubordination to school principals and constituted school authorities.
Reacting to the findings, Dr. Augustina Godwin the honourable commissioner expressed serious concern over practices that could negatively affect teaching and learning, stressing that the government expects every teacher to demonstrate commitment, professionalism, discipline and responsibility.
She maintained that teachers are entrusted with the important responsibility of shaping the future of Taraba children and, therefore, must be available to teach, properly prepare for their lessons and uphold the authority of school management.
On the other hand, the Permanent Secretary, Alh. Idris A. Goje made it clear that the Ministry would not fold its arms and allow indiscipline, absenteeism or insubordination to become entrenched in the schools systems.
He said the government has continued to invest significant resources and attention in the education sector and would not allow the efforts of the administration to be undermined by the failure of individuals to perform their official responsibilities.
Mrs Rabi Sunday, the Secretary of the Ministry also emphasized that school principals must exercise effective leadership and ensure that teachers under their supervision adhere to established rules and regulations, while teachers must equally respect constituted authority and contribute positively to the administration and academic progress of their schools.
She appealed that the observations made during the monitoring exercise will be properly documented for necessary follow-up and appropriate administrative action where required.
Dr Augustina further disclosed that school monitoring would remain a continuous exercise, stressing that the Ministry would continue to visit schools across the state to ensure compliance, identify challenges and strengthen the delivery of quality education.
She called on teachers, principals and other education stakeholders to support the education reforms of the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, by demonstrating greater commitment to duty.
According to her, the administration is determined to build an education system where teachers are accountable, school administrators are responsible, students are properly supported, and teaching and learning take place in a disciplined and friendly environment.
She urged all education personnel to regard their responsibilities not merely as government employment but as a sacred duty to the children and future of Taraba State.
The three teams were accompanied by Directors, Deputy Directors and Quality Assurance Officers of the Ministry.
Jonathan Jolly
Public Relations Officer
15th September, 2026
