EXTORTING MONEY FROM PARENTS: NIGER GOVERNMENT TO TAKE PUNITIVE MEASURES AGAINST PRINCIPALS AND HEAD TEACHERS

Niger State Government has said that henceforth it will take punitive measures against Public School Principals and Head Teachers  who extort  money  from Students and Parents in the state.

State Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Hadiza Asabe Mohammed stated this during an interface with all the Principals and Head Teachers in Zone B.

Dr Hadiza Asabe explained that the Ministry had issued several circulars warning heads of  Schools to desist from such act but some have turned deaf ears thus the Ministry has  no option other than to sanction and suspend any erring Principal or Head Teacher that is found culpable saying that the action is in tandem with the National Policy on Free Education.

The Commissioner, also expressed dismay over the way and manner some school managers add to the hardships of some parents by extorting monies from them in the name of registration, thereby defying the Ministry’s directives and government policy on free Education.

According to her, the Ministry is working relentlessly to achieve the New Niger Agenda of Governor Mohammad Umar Bago which she said is aimed at revolutionizing and changing the narratives in the Education sector for maximum results.

Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, explained that henceforth the issuance of first leaving certificates of Primary Schools have been abolished but Basic School leaving Certificate which will be issued by the Ministry and no longer the Schools.

The Commissioner assured of the state government resolve to improve the welfare of teachers next year after undergoing certain reforms aimed at enhancing professionalism in service.

In his submission,State Chairman Nigeria Union of Teachers NUT Comrade Akayago Adamu Mohammed gave an assurance that the Union will partner  with the Ministry in ensuring compliance with policy directive.

The NUT Chairman who enumerated some of the challenges facing teachers and Schools however stressed the need for Niger state Government to address them to enable teachers put their best in moving the education sector  to an enviable height.

Report by Lawal wali.