The Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) has demoted six head teachers from Awada Primary Schools 1–6 in the Obosi area of Idemili North local government for violating Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s free education policy by collecting unauthorized fees from students.
Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, the Executive Chairman of ASUBEB, announced this disciplinary action, emphasizing that the teachers’ actions undermined the state government’s commitment to free and compulsory education. Along with their demotion, the affected teachers are required to refund all collected fees, hand over their positions to the next-ranking officers, and step down immediately.
Dr. Nwadinobi warned that any teacher or school head found to be extorting parents or guardians would face severe consequences, including the possibility of dismissal. An investigation conducted by the board revealed numerous unauthorized charges, including fees for extra lessons, classroom supplies such as markers and pens, toilet cleaning, and other expenses that are already covered by the government’s N50,000 monthly school running costs.
Additionally, other illicit fees discovered included payments for compiled study materials, novels, retirement send-off events, burial levies, inflated Common Entrance Exam fees (beyond the approved N2,900), and charges for accessing exam portals.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining a fee-free education policy and expressed zero tolerance for such “irresponsible conduct.” She also noted that 3,115 new teachers were recently employed, supplementing the 5,000 recruited in 2022, to strengthen the state’s education system. Parents and guardians are encouraged to report any unauthorized fee demands to the appropriate authorities for prompt action.
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