Kwara govt moves against corrupt principals

The Kwara Government has warned principals in the 16 Local Government Areas of the state against collecting above the approved exam fees of N2,500 for Junior Secondary School Examination Certificate Examination (JSSCE).

The state Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Bilkisu Oniyangi, gave the warning in Ilorin on Sunday.

Oniyangi advised parents and guardians to report any principal collecting beyond the approved fee of N2,500 for the 2019 JSSCE.

“Any principal found wanting in this regard will be seriously dealt with in accordance with the Civil Service rule.

“All parents and guardians should report any principal that demands above N2,500 to the ministry for appropriate actions,’’ she said.

The commissioner expressed disappointment during her visits to some schools in Kaima Local Government Area of Kwara, saying that some principals were caught collecting above the approved fees.

She noted that the trend had continued in some schools in spite of several warnings and suspension of some principals over extortion in public schools in other parts of the state.

The commissioner decried extortion through Parents Teachers Association (PTA) levy.

Oniyangi, however, directed all affected principals to refund the extra money collected from parents with immediate effect.

The commissioner advised principals in the state to be upright and dedicated to their work.

She said that there would be no clemency for anyone found sabotaging government’s efforts in providing qualitative and free education to the teeming populace of the state.

Some of the schools visited included: Government Day Secondary School Kiama; Mora Tasude Secondary School; Government Unity College; and GSS Tonda Aboki, all in Kaima Local Government Area of the state.