The Sokoto State Government has suspended six secondary school principals for alleged acts of insubordination and unauthorized collection of fees linked to the Junior Secondary School examination results.
The suspension, which took effect on Monday, was approved by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Mohammad Iya, on Friday, the affected principals are from Nana Girls Secondary School, Government Day Secondary School Gagi, GDSS Mana, Giginya Memorial College, Mana Basic Secondary School, and GDSS Silame.
Professor Ala explained that the action became necessary to curb unethical practices in public schools.
“No principal or school administrator will be allowed to act outside the law or exploit students and parents. Our schools must be governed by accountability, not personal interests,” he warned.
To further investigate the allegations, the commissioner inaugurated a five-member panel chaired by Professor Mustapha Namakka Tukur.
Other members include the Executive Secretary of AIEB, the Director of Quality Assurance, the Director of Planning at the Teachers Service Board, and the ministry’s Director of Quality Assurance, who will also serve as secretary.
The ministry directed the suspended principals to immediately hand over administrative responsibilities to their respective Vice Principals (Administration).
Reiterating the government’s stance, the commissioner said the suspensions underscored the state’s resolve to promote discipline and transparency in schools.
“We will not hesitate to sanction any official found wanting. The era of unchecked practices in our schools is coming to an end,” Ala added.
Education stakeholders believe the outcome of the probe could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in Sokoto going forward.
