Violation of Free Education Policy: Anambra State Suspends Headteachers
Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
The Anambra State government in a decisive move to uphold its free education policy, has suspended six headteachers and demoted two others for illegally collecting fees and levies from students’ parents and guardians in public schools across the state.
The Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB),Vera Nwadinobi,
announced the disciplinary actions during a press conference in Awka on Wednesday. The measures were taken in response to alarming reports of corruption and negligence among some school heads, undermining the state government’s educational initiatives.
According to Nwadinobi, “The affected headteachers, all from various Awada Primary Schools in Onitsha, are Mrs. Okoye Uju, Mrs. Nwafor Eunice Nwanneka, Mrs. Nwakaku Patience Obioma, Mrs. Aniwetalu Elizabeth Ekene, Mrs. Odionu Gloria Nkolika, and Mrs. Muluako Augustine Chinwe.Two headteachers in Awka North LGA were also demoted from their positions and stepped down following their negligence to duty and corrupt leadership.They have been mandated to refund all unauthorized fees collected from students, step down from their positions, and hand over responsibilities to their junior colleagues.”
Nwadinobi emphasized that the government’s commitment to free and compulsory education, instituted by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, is intended to ensure that no child of school-going age misses out on fundamental educational opportunities. “Since the inception of this policy, we have seen an encouraging increase in school enrollment and a significant reduction in out-of-school children, alleviating the financial burdens on many indigent families,” she noted.
Despite these efforts, the ASUBEB investigations revealed that some headteachers had resorted to illegal fee collection under various pretexts. Reports indicated widespread illicit practices, including charges for extra lessons, cleaning services, and educational materials. An instance cited involved headteachers at Awada Primary School 1-6, who allegedly concocted a system in which parents were made to pay for non-existent services while contradicting the stipulations of the free education policy.
Nwadinobi warned of stringent repercussions for further violations: “We will not only demote but also recommend outright dismissal from service for any headteacher or principal who defies our free education policy. We cannot tolerate any form of extortion from parents and guardians, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of this initiative.”
She gave the assurance that the ASUBEB will continue to monitor compliance, emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity within the school system and protecting the rights of learners to receive quality education without financial burdens.
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