A Curriculum Support Officer (CSO) could face serious disciplinary action by Teachers Service Commission (TSC) after it emerged he conspired to hide from reporting a primary school headteacher who has been ailing for years.
The headteacher who is currently bedridden was diagnosed with Parkinson disease and has been at home for the last three years.
The aged headteacher has struggled with the condition for some years which later crippled his movements.
He was taken to various hospitals for treatment under the TSC former AON Minet medical insurance scheme but his medical insurance funds got depleted without any major improvement and was finally taken home.
The headteacher who is 52 years of age is currently at home, sick and helpless and the CSO is said to have taken the intervention to save family from losing income and the headteacher from losing retirement benefits.
However one thing led to another. First a new TSC County Director and later a strict TSC Sub County Director are said to have come across the issue during staff balancing and teacher transfers exercise.
It emerged the school has been ran by a deputy headteacher in job group C4 for the last three years with the headteacher staying at home for medical attention.
Confronted over the issue, the CSO (formerly TAC tutor) admitted that this has been going on for years with knowledge of his former bosses.
According to TSC code of regulation for teachers, teachers are entitled to a number of leaves including sick leave.
It states that a head of institution for a teacher and CSO for a head of institution shall forward application for sick leave with the relevant medical documents to the sub county director; and
Where the teacher or head of institution is unable to apply for sick leave in person due to the nature or extent of sickness, the head of institution and CSO shall inform the sub county director in writing within fourteen days; from the date of receiving information of the sickness
Part 112. says a head of institution who on account of illness, is unable to attend to the duties assigned by the Commission as required, shall apply for sick leave to the Commission through the sub county director in the manner set out in Form P under the Twenty Eighth Schedule
An application for sick leave by a head of institution shall be forwarded to the Commission not later than forty eight hours where the head of institution attended hospital as an out- patient and not later than seven days where the head of institution is an in-patient.
The sub county director shall forward a head of institution’s application for sick leave with the relevant medical documents to the County Director.
Where the head of institution is unable to apply for sick leave in person due to the nature or extent of sickness, the sub county director shall inform the county director in writing within fourteen days from the date of receiving information of the sickness.
Part 113 says the Commission may approve sick leave for a teacher in any period of twelve months continuously, which sick leave may be granted-
• (a) for a maximum period of three months with full pay;
• (b) on half pay for a further three months where the sickness extends beyond the third month; and
• (c) without pay where the sickness extends beyond six months until the teacher resumes duties.
Currently application has been digitized and teachers are required to apply online attaching necessary documentation as evidence.
The matter is currently under the TSC County Director. Due to the sensitivity of the matter we chose to hold more details for now.
Brief Notes on Parkinson Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a long-term (chronic) neurological disorder that mainly affects movement.
What causes it?
- It happens when brain cells that produce dopamine (a chemical needed for smooth, controlled movement) gradually die.
- The exact cause is unknown, but it involves a mix of genetics, aging, and environmental factors.
Common symptoms
Movement-related
- Tremors (shaking), often starting in one hand
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
- Muscle stiffness (rigidity)
- Problems with balance and walking
- Small or slow handwriting
- Reduced facial expressions
Non-movement symptoms
- Fatigue
- Depression or anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Constipation
- Memory or concentration difficulties (usually later)
Treatment
There is no cure, but treatment helps control symptoms:
