MANAMA: Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi yesterday switched to being a teacher at a boys' school in Isa Town. He made a surprise visit only to discover that one class had no teacher.

He conducted a brainstorming review of the previous lesson, while waiting for the absentee teacher to turn up.

He also surprised the sports teacher who was staying with his students inside a classroom instead of exercising in the playground.

The Minister then visited an intermediate school and remarked on the negligence of the administration which had failed to enforce attendance discipline. Students were "idling away their time instead of entering their respective classrooms and attending lessons in this crucial period before the end-of-term exams."

Ministry officials were then instructed to investigate and take the necessary legal measures. They were also urged to step up school visits and ensure that school discipline is enforced fully.