NSUBEB Chairman Vows to Eliminate Nepotism in Primary Education, Inaugurates Committee

By David Obama

The Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Kassim Muh’d Kassim, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating all forms of nepotism within the board to ensure a transparent and merit-driven system.

Dr. Kassim made this known on Friday in his office while inaugurating a committee mandated to address critical issues surrounding proper placement and career progression of staff at the board’s headquarters.

According to him, the move is aimed at strengthening the civil service records to enhance productivity and maintain fairness in staff seniority.

The chairman expressed displeasure over irregularities, citing instances where a Grade Level 13 officer continued to receive a salary on Grade Level 12 despite already earning the higher-level pay, as well as situations where junior officers supervised their seniors.

He further highlighted other cases of malpractice such as illegal employment, unauthorized deductions, and staff transfers carried out by Education Secretaries without board approval.

The committee’s terms of reference include: examining staff entry qualifications and additional certifications, reviewing staff placement and progression from the time of engagement up to the 2023 promotion exercise, and making recommendations on related matters.

The committee is chaired by retired permanent secretary, Allahnana Attah, with the NSUBEB Board Secretary, Hajiya Ahmed Hashiya, as a member. Other members include representatives from the Head of Service, Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), various unions within NSUBEB, the Director of Basic Education in the Ministry of Education, and the board’s Legal Adviser, Barr. Hauwa Lawan.

David Makama, Director of Administration and Supply at the board, will serve as Secretary of the committee.