Chad's Minister of Education, Dr. Mahamat-Ahmad Alhabo, has issued a stern warning to teachers and educational administrators, emphasizing the need for improved attendance and adherence to the academic calendar. In two circulars signed on October 29, 2026, the minister expressed deep concern over the persistent absences of teachers from their assigned posts, a situation that threatens to disrupt the smooth operation of educational activities. According to the minister, one month into the new school year, some teachers have yet to report to their duty stations.
The minister has instructed rectors, provincial delegates, and departmental inspectors of the National Education to immediately identify absent teachers and provide detailed lists to their superiors. These lists must include the teachers' identities, assigned schools, roles, dates of absence, and any stated reasons. Dr. Alhabo views this situation as alarming, warning that it may compromise the successful completion of academic programs within the allotted timeframe and impact the quality of education provided to students.
In addition to addressing teacher absences, the minister has targeted the scheduling of lengthy training sessions for educators during regular school hours. Dr. Alhabo noted that many training programs are organized at times when teachers' presence in schools is crucial for the regular conduct of pedagogical activities. To rectify this, he has directed relevant authorities to reschedule these training sessions during trimester breaks and summer vacations.
The minister's directives are clear: no training sessions that require teachers to be absent from their classes should be scheduled during school hours. This policy aims to ensure that educational activities proceed without interruption and that students receive the education they deserve. By enforcing these measures, the Ministry of Education seeks to enhance the overall quality of education in Chad.
Dr. Mahamat-Ahmad Alhabo's move is seen as part of a broader effort to reform and strengthen Chad's education sector. The minister's commitment to addressing critical issues such as teacher absenteeism and the scheduling of training sessions reflects a determination to improve educational outcomes. By holding teachers and educational administrators accountable, the ministry hopes to create a more conducive learning environment.
Educational stakeholders and the general public have welcomed the minister's initiatives, recognizing the importance of teacher presence and well-timed training for educational success. The implementation of these directives will be closely monitored, with expectations high for positive changes in the education sector.
The circulars issued by Dr. Alhabo signify a critical step towards achieving these goals, emphasizing the government's resolve to tackle challenges within the education system. As the situation evolves, it will be essential to assess the impact of these measures on teacher attendance, the scheduling of training sessions, and ultimately, the quality of education in Chad.
Key points
- Dr. Mahamat-Ahmad Alhabo instructs authorities to identify and report absent teachers.
- The minister directs that training sessions for teachers be scheduled during breaks and vacations.
- The new policies aim to improve the quality of education by minimizing disruptions to the academic calendar.
