By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Chairman, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Dr Gabriel Ajah, has dismissed allegation of unjust sacking of five teachers in the Board’s employ, saying the agency always ensures strict adherence to due process in meting out sanctions to errant academic and non-academic staff.

This was even as the dismissed teachers tendered written and unreserved apology admitting wrongdoing.

Ajah reiterated the Board’s commitment to upholding discipline and code of conduct, which he said would ensure improved standard of education in the state.

He stated this In Enugu at the weekend while making clarifications over the allegation that one Mrs. Ujunwa Onyia and four other teachers were unjustly dismissed by ENSUBEB over their supposed agitation for teachers’ minimum wage in the state.

Recall that a story had surfaced on the social media alleging the said teachers were sacked over their agitation for the payment of N30,000 minimum wage.

But speaking to newsmen in his office at the weekend, the ENSUBEB Chairman, described the allegation as a mere fabrication, stating that the teachers were among those queried and found culpable over reports of misconduct, truancy, absence from duty without permission, insubordination and other acts, which contravene the Public Service Rules.

He stressed that the misconduct and insubordinate attitudes to Mrs. Onyia were only one out of the 13 such cases treated by the Board at its meeting.

He said It was disingenuous to link the disciplinary action with any minimum wage agitation, as the extension of N30,000 minimum wage to primary school teachers was promptly approved by Governor Peter Mbah and equally paid in their February salaries after many years of waiting in the governor’s campaign promise to effect the said wage and better teachers’ welfare in the state.

He displayed an apology letter by Mrs. Ujunwa Onyia and four others pleading for a recall to service, having realised their misconducts and mistakes.

Letter of Apology by the dismissed teachers Part of the apology letter reads, “I and my other four colleagues would like to sincerely apologise for our recent breach of communication channels according to the Civil service rule.

“We realise that our actions were disrespectful and inappropriate and we are deeply sorry for any offense or embarrassment we may have caused.

“We realise that our actions may have affected the trust and confidence that you and the Board have in us. We will do everything in our power to regain your trust and prove that we are valuable members of the school Community.

“We are committed to working hard to improve our conduct and make amends for our mistakes.”