The Senior Divisional Officer of Kupe Muanenguba, Nguia Beina Theophile has issued series of query letters to teachers of primary and secondary schools for absenteeism on school reopening day for the new academic year, September 8, 2025.
In separate letters addressed to the teachers, the SDO revealed that following joint Order No 85/0/144/AC/MINEDUB/MINESEC of 19th August 2025 fixing calendar of activities for the 2025/2026 academic year in Cameroon and widely communicated, the Minister of Basic Education together with his colleague of secondary Education indicated clearly that, 2025/2026 academic year in Cameroon begins on the 8th of September 2025 at 7:30 am prompt, throughout the national territory for both public and private establishments placed under respective ministerial competence.
Achalle Stephen of GTHS Bangem Submits List of Absentee Teachers to SDONguia pointed that to assure the respect of the above joint order, he was in the field on Monday September 8, 2025 to monitor effective school resumption within Bangem town in both public and private establishments and noticed their irregular absence at duty posts.
“Considering the above, could you explain to me within forty-eight (48) hours upon reception of this present query letter, why disciplinary sanctions should not be meted against you for insubordination and non-respect of the decision of hierarchy”?
The Response
Responding to the SDO separately, Chesseu Kouahou Pranku, mathematics teacher, Songmene Lontsie Oscar, SVT teacher, and Esombe Tchagna Grace Cafortune, bilingual teacher, all from Government Bilingual High School, GBHS Bangem disclosed that they were sick on the day of school resumption.
GBHS Bangem’s Economics teacher, Wopong Kinner said she couldn’t get a motorcycle to transport her to school at the time the SDO and entourage reached GBHS Bangem.
Meanwhile Mbakop Happy Lareine, a physics teacher at the same school told the Nguia that he was not in school because he doesn’t have class on Monday.
Essindi Lucien, a mathematics teacher of the establishment replied that he doesn’t come to school on Mondays because he has been attacked and ambushed by separatist fighters in Bangem severally. “That is why I decided to respect Mondays as ghost town days to stay at home”. Essindi added.
Ngo Banack Viviane Adele, a guidance counsellor said she had an accident few days before school resumption. She said this prevented her from being on campus on the day of school resumption.
Ndjambe Nyoungou Luc, a philosophy teacher told the SDO that he couldn’t be in school because his salary had been suspended for irregular absence. He said this has affected him economically.
Letter of Observation
After going through the responses, Nguia ordered the First Assistant SDO of Kupe Muanenguba Djoane Mouguim to further issue them letters of observation for failing to provide adequate documents to justify their responses. He said for those who claimed they were sick or had accident, they failed to attach their hospital records.
The SDO lamented that though Bangem is very peaceful, a teacher claimed by was ambushed but has no justification from the hospital or security to proof his point.
“Teachers must work with their consciences. They can’t be collecting salary every month but abundant students in class. We shall continue with our disciplinary measures. Civil servants in Kupe Muanenguba must sit up”. The SDO added.
By Olive Ejang
