The Emir of Daura in Katsina State, Alhaji Umar Faruk, has deplored the dearth of qualified teachers in primary schools in the state.

Faruk, who made the remark when he received the new Executive Chairman, State Primary Education Board, Alhaji Lawal Daura, on Monday in Daura, said that lack of qualified teachers had affected quality of education in the state.

He said that the problem had resulted in the production of pupils with poor academic background.

The emir also identified lack of teaching materials, and dilapidated structures as well as poor working condition for the teachers as some of the problem militating against delivery of quality education in the state.

Faruk urged the state government to allocate more fund to its Primary Education Board to address the problem, saying that teachers posted to rural areas should be given free accommodation and special allowances.

According to him, the provision of accommodation and welfare package will assist in solving truancy among the teachers and improve relationship between them and parents.

He disclosed that traditional rulers in the state had resolved to meet the state governor, Aminu Masari, on the problem.

Earlier, chairman of the board had said that the visit was to solicit blessings, advice and prayers for the discharge of their duties from the royal father.

Daura called on traditional rulers in the state to re-introduce their visit to schools in their domain to complement effort of the government in reviving primary education.

He said that primary school enrolment in the state had increased to over 45 per cent. (NAN)

•Photo shows Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk.