Six school principals have been suspended by the Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for allegedly engaging in insubordination and collecting fees linked to the outcomes of the Junior Secondary School exams without authorization.
The immediate suspension, which goes into force on Monday, was granted by Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, the state commissioner for basic and secondary education.
Particularly suspended for insubordination are the principals of Nana Girls Secondary School, Sokoto; Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Gagi; GDSS Mana; Giginya Memorial College; Mana Basic Secondary School, Sokoto; and GDSS Silame.
The commissioner has also established a five-member investigative group to look into the claims in order to resolve the infractions.
The committee is chaired by Professor Mustapha Namakka Tukur, with members comprising the Executive Secretary of AIEB, the Director of Quality Assurance, the Director of Planning (Teachers Service Board), and the Director of Quality Assurance, who will also act as secretary.
The suspended principals were instructed by the ministry to immediately transfer all administrative duties to their respective Vice Principals (Administration).
On behalf of the commissioner, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, transparency, and discipline in all Sokoto State public schools in a statement signed by Ibrahim Mohammad Iya, the ministry’s public relations officer, and provided to reporters on Friday.
“No principal or other school official will be permitted to violate the law or take advantage of parents and pupils.
Professor Ala emphasized that the government would not think twice about punishing any official who was found to be deficient, saying, “Our schools must be governed by accountability, not personal interests.”
The Federal Ministry of Education cautioned state governments in 2024 to make sure they follow its instructions on getting rid of unlawful charges in public schools, emphasizing that these kinds of activities deter students from enrolling in classes and go against Nigeria’s pledge to provide basic education to all.
Thus, the six principals’ suspension highlights the Sokoto State government’s increased determination to uphold accountability and discipline in the educational system.
The Sokoto State Government is making it clear that the days of unregulated behavior in public schools are ended by emphasizing that “no principal or school administrator will be allowed to act outside the law or exploit students and parents.” The investigation’s conclusion will probably establish a standard for future handling of situations of this nature in the state.
