The Anambra State Government has demoted two principals of public secondary schools over the alleged collection of illegal levies from students, in violation of the state’s free education policy.
Those affected are Mrs Cecilia Okeke, principal of Community Secondary School, Awkuzu, in Oyi Local Government Area, and Mrs Patricia Ezeabiakwa of Community Secondary School, Igbakwu, in Ayamelum Local Government Area.
The Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, disclosed this to journalists in Awka on Saturday, following an unscheduled visit to the schools.
According to Ikediugwu, the principals were found to have collected amounts ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦40,000 from newly admitted students and others, an act she described as a clear breach of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s free education policy.
“During a surprise visit to the two schools, we discovered that the principals were involved in the collection of illegal levies from students,” Ikediugwu said.
“This action is a direct violation of the governor’s directive on free education in public schools.”
She explained that both principals have been asked to step aside from their positions with immediate effect, while their respective Vice Principals (Administration) take over the leadership of the schools.
Ikediugwu added, “The demoted principals have been directed to refund every kobo collected from the students within seven days and submit evidence of the refunds to the PPSSC headquarters in Awka.”
She further noted that other teachers implicated in the matter would face disciplinary procedures.
“The teachers involved have been invited to the PPSSC headquarters on Monday, December 15, to collect their letters of query and await further disciplinary action, which may include suspension,” she stated.
Reaffirming the state government’s stance, Ikediugwu warned that any attempt to undermine the free education policy would not be tolerated.
“The governor has made education free from nursery to secondary school in Anambra State. Any principal or teacher who violates this policy will be treated as a saboteur,” she said.
She also revealed that the commission has constituted a monitoring team that will conduct continuous surprise visits to public schools across the state from the next academic term.
Governor Soludo had earlier announced free and compulsory education from nursery to junior secondary level in public schools, and later extended the policy to senior secondary schools, with students required to pay only ₦5,000 as tuition.
The governor said the initiative was aimed at increasing access to education and ensuring the holistic development of children across the state.
