The Jigawa State Government has dismissed a boarding school principal over alleged manipulation of the students’ feeding programme, as it intensifies efforts to protect the welfare of schoolchildren across the state.
PUNCH Online reports that the action followed a follow-up inspection at the Girls Model Boarding School, Kudai, in Dutse, where officials uncovered a 30 per cent inflation in student enrolment figures during a previous audit.
The inspection was conducted by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties after the state government, on January 7, suspended several school feeding contractors accused of fraud, supply of substandard food items and inflation of student numbers in boarding schools.
The earlier sanctions came after complaints from parents and members of the public, as well as unannounced inspections across the state.
During Monday’s visit, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Auwal Sankara, confirmed the immediate suspension of the school principal, while the vice-principal was appointed to serve in an acting capacity pending the posting of a substantive replacement.
Despite the misconduct, the commissioner noted a significant improvement in the quality of meals served to students, saying nutritious and high-quality food had replaced what he described as previously “unfit” meals.
“Our visit today shows that the changes being implemented are not temporary. We are building a system that prioritises quality and accountability,” Sankara said.
He warned that any school administrator or contractor found sabotaging the feeding programme would face strict sanctions, adding that the ministry remained committed to safeguarding Governor Umar Namadi’s 12-point development agenda.
Sankara also urged parents, students and community members to remain vigilant and report any observed lapses, assuring them that unannounced inspections would continue across the state.
“No one is untouchable when it comes to the welfare of our children,” he added.
Credit: PUNCH
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
