The Taraba State Government has suspended seven public secondary school principals for allegedly undermining the state’s free education policy.
Governor Agbu Kefas, who assumed office in May 2023, declared free education in all public schools in the state.
The state government also committed to paying the WAEC and NECO examination fees for students.
The suspension of the principals was announced by the Commissioner for Education, Augustina Yahaya, through an official statement, on Tuesday.
The affected schools include Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Jauro Yino, GDSS Kakulu in Zing, Government Day Secondary Schools Kofai and Salihu Dogo in Jalingo, GDSS Kununi in Lau, GDSS Jouro Yinu in Ardo-Kola, GSS Takum, and GDSS Yakassai in Wukari.
According to Mrs. Yahaya, the principals acted in ways that sabotaged the free education policy implemented by Governor Kefas.
“The principal of Government Day Secondary School, Jauro Yino, is suspended for collecting money from students for NECO examinations. The principal of Yakasali in Wukari is suspended for collecting money and selling WAEC slots to external students. The principal of GDSS Kakulu in Zing is suspended for negligence, failing to monitor properly, and denying 105 final-year students from registering for their exams,” she said.
Mrs. Yahaya further explained that the other suspended principals include those from Government Day Secondary Schools Kofai and Salihu Dogo in Jalingo, GDSS Kununi in Lau, GDSS Jouro Yinu in Ardo-Kola, GSS Takum, and GDSS Yakassai in Wukari.
“We are a serious government, and we will not allow uncommitted individuals to ruin our plans for education,” she warned.
