Following the complaints of collection of illegal charges by principals of public schools in Rivers State, the government has suspended two principals.
Those suspended are principals are of the Junior and Senior Secondary section of Community School, Okoro-N’odu and Community Secondary School Rumuagholu all in Obio Akpor Local Government Area.
Executive Chairman of Universal Basic Education Board, UBE, in Rivers State, Dr Fynface Akah, revealed this in a cgat with newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Dr Akah while speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt directed all Head Teachers and Principals who have collected such illegal fees to refund parents immediately or face the consequences.
He emphasised that UBE schools remain free in Rivers State and the state government is committed to providing a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
The suspension we gathered followed parents’ frustration over the financial burden they are facing before their children begin new classes this academic session.
Some of them lamented that they are made to pay between N20,000 and N30,000 for items such as uniforms and notebooks.
Also, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, has joined in warning principals, charging illegal fees from students and parents in the name of admissions to desist from such actions or be ready to face disciplinary measures.
The Commissioner gave the warning yeterday in a meeting with all principals in the state.
Prof. Mmom said he has received lots of complains and reports from parents and guardians that some principals are charging outrageous fees for admission when admission into public schools in the state are free of charge.
The Commissioner who frowned at the actions of these principals described it as sabotage of government efforts, adding that anyone caught will be shown the way out.
He said: ” I will not tolerate anyone caught sabotaging the efforts Government. Government has not authorised the collection of any form of fees or charges from students,
and principals caught collecting such illegal fees stand to lose their appointment as principal,” he said.
However, he said that the free education being practiced in the state does not cover school uniforms and snacks for students hence parents are to provide them for their children and wards.
He called on parents and principals to compliment the efforts of government by doing the right things at all time and promised them of government support.
Responding, Chairman of Nigerian Union of Teachers , Rivers State, Comrade Collins Edika said a lot of the interest of the teachers have been captured in this present administration.
He criticised some parents who finds it difficult to provide writhing pen and uniform for their children.
He also said teachers needs impress to meet up some needs of their schools and thanked the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for the promotion of teachers.
