Sokoto State suspends principals over exam fee abuse

Sokoto State suspends six school principals for unauthorised exam fees and insubordination, highlighting renewed commitment to transparency in education.

Sokoto State suspends principals for alleged unauthorised exam fees and insubordination, signalling a powerful stance on accountability within the education sector.

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The Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education announced the immediate suspension of six principals effective Monday.

The suspended school heads come from Nana Girls Secondary School, Government Day Secondary Schools in Gagi, Mana, Silame, Giginya Memorial College, and Mana Basic Secondary School.

These actions follow accusations of insubordination and the unauthorised collection of fees tied to Junior Secondary School examination results.

Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, has further set up a five-member investigative committee led by Professor Mustapha Namakka Tukur.

This committee will delve into the allegations to ensure full transparency.

The suspended principals have been instructed to hand over their administrative duties to their vice principals immediately, reinforcing the ministry’s swift approach to discipline.

Professor Ala emphasised, “No principal or school administrator will be allowed to act outside the law or exploit students and parents.

Our schools must be governed by accountability, not personal interests.” This statement underscores the government’s firm commitment to rooting out corrupt practices and upholding the integrity of public education.

The suspensions come on the heels of a 2024 directive from the Federal Ministry of Education, which warned against illegal levies in public schools.

Such fees discourage enrolment and run contrary to Nigeria’s universal basic education goals.

By taking decisive action, Sokoto State suspends principals to ensure that the era of unchecked financial exploitation in schools is firmly over.

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The ongoing investigation is expected to set a strong precedent for how similar violations will be addressed in the future.

Maryam Idris