The Enugu State Government has ordered the immediate withdrawal of unauthorised queries issued to teachers in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area for failing to attend the Teachers’ Mega Rally held on October 10, 2026.
Newsonspot gathered that the government also directed the suspension of all related disciplinary proceedings, warning that no teacher should be intimidated, victimised or punished for missing the event.
The directives were contained in a circular dated October 22, 2026, and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze L. Mbah.
According to the circular, the queries issued to the affected teachers were unauthorised and inconsistent with the policies and directives of the state’s education leadership.
Mbah clarified that attendance at the rally, held at Michael Okpara Square in Enugu, was voluntary. He explained that the event was scheduled for a Saturday, outside the regular school week, to avoid disrupting teaching and learning.
The commissioner described claims that teachers were required to attend the rally, or that their absence amounted to insubordination, as false and unacceptable.
Consequently, affected teachers were instructed to disregard the queries, as no response was required. Those responsible for issuing the documents were also directed to withdraw them immediately.
The government further warned that teachers must not suffer any adverse consequences for their decision not to attend the rally.
It stressed that attendance or non-attendance must not affect teachers’ salaries, promotions, postings, performance appraisals or access to professional opportunities.
Mbah also ordered the removal of any adverse entries already made in teachers’ records over the matter and directed education authorities to ensure that all related disciplinary actions were suspended.
The circular instructed education secretaries, school heads, teachers and coordinators of the Teachers Grassroots Movement (TGM) across the state to communicate the directives and ensure full compliance.
It further disclosed that the staff member responsible for generating the unauthorised queries would be formally queried and required to explain the action in line with applicable administrative procedures.
Teachers who experience threats, intimidation or victimisation over their absence from the rally were advised to report directly to the Office of the Commissioner for Education.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Mbah said teachers deserved dignity, respect and freedom of choice, emphasising that expressions of gratitude and solidarity should remain voluntary.
He warned against the use of official positions or the name of the Teachers Grassroots Movement to compel teachers to participate in an event designated as voluntary.
The commissioner urged all relevant stakeholders to give the circular wide circulation and ensure strict compliance with the government’s directives.
