Heads of Schools comprising, Principals and Head-Teachers of all the Public Secondary and Primary Schools in the State have been warned against extortion and collection of illegal levies.
State Commissioner For Education, Prof. Onwuliri gave the warning during her meeting with Principals and Head-Teachers of State Schools held at Government Secondary School Owerri, and the headquarters of the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB), respectively.
In a statement gathered online, the Commissioner informed that the Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka lhedioha has directed that any Head of School caught extorting parents and their wards by collecting illegal levies or materials such as farming tools or toiletries, shall be summarily demoted.
She further described the unwholesome practice as an act of sabotage to the Rebuild Imo Administration of Gov Ihedioha and stressed that the Government has not and will not direct any Head of School to collect any such fees, levies or materials from any pupil or student.
Adding that the Rebuild Imo Government cannot afford to mortgage the future of Imo children on the altar of institutional corruption. She stated that such extortions could reduce the enrolment figures in our Schools which the Government would not tolerate.
Prof. Onwuliri reminded them that teaching is a noble profession and urged them not to disgrace it with such misconducts. Consequently, she directed the Heads of Schools who had been collecting such illegal levies from their pupils or students to desist from such acts; and return same to them within one week, or face the appropriate sanctions.
She further revealed that the Ministry has set machineries in motion to apprehend any Head of School involved in dastardly acts such as extortion. Prof. Onwuliri maintained that there must be a remarkable difference between the rudderless past administration and the present. As a result, she made it clear that the only levies authorized by Government for collection include: N200 for a School Badge and N300 for a Prospectus, totaling N500 only. She directed that collection of levies concerning sports wears should be stopped for now.
The Education Commissioner enjoined the Heads of Schools to be more diligent in their duties and to also partner with host Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders and other critical stakeholders to ensure stability and the development of their schools. She opined that the education sector can only grow by the collective efforts of the Heads of Schools and other relevant stakeholders. The Commissioner also cautioned Heads of Schools to desist from change of Schools racketeering. Emphasizing that it is not their responsibility to process the change of School and purchase of books for any child.
Speaking on behalf of other Principals, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Owerri, Rev. Jamike Ekeh, appreciated the Commissioner for the visit and her motherly advice. He promised that the Principals will abide by her advice and directives. However, he pleaded for forgiveness where they had erred, adding that they are ready and prepared to take Education in the State to an enviable height.
In the same vein, the Headmaster of Community Primary School, Okpofe in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Mr. Ejike Ben thanked the Commissioner on behalf of his colleagues. He commended the Commissioner for the visit and timely advice, but however, he exonerated his colleagues from engaging in such unwholesome practices. He requested the Commissioner to consider the issue of the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme of the Federal Government, as a lot of things have gone wrong in its implementation in the State.
