The Taraba State Government has suspended seven principals of public secondary schools for allegedly undermining the government's free education policy.
Governor Agbu Kefas, upon assuming office in May 2023, declared free education in public schools in the state.
The state government also took responsibility for paying WAEC and NECO fees of the students.
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The suspension of the directors was announced in a statement by the state's Education Commissioner, Augustina Yahaya.
The affected schools are Government Day Secondary School, Jauro Yino, GDSS Kakulu in Zing, Government Day Secondary Schools Kofai and Salihu Dogo in Jalingo; GDSS Kununi in Lau, GDSS Jouro Yinu in Ardo-Kola, GDSS Kakulu in Zing, GSS Takum and GDSS Yakassai in Wukari.
Ms Yahaya said the seven principals acted with the aim of sabotaging the governor's free education policy.
“The headmaster of Government Day Secondary School, Jauro Yino, is suspended for collecting money from students for NECO; the headmaster of Yakasali in Wukari is suspended for collecting money and selling WAEC seats to outside students.
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“The principal of GDSS Kakulu in Zing is also suspended for negligence, for failing to properly supervise by denying 105 final year students registration for their examinations,” the commissioner said.
“Other school principals suspended by the state government include those of Government Secondary Schools Kofai and Salihu Dogo in Jalingo; GDSS Kununi in Lau, GDSS Jouro Yinu in Ardo-Kola, GDSS Kakulu in Zing, GSS Takum and GDSS Yakassai in Wukari.
“We are a serious government and we will not allow uncommitted people to ruin our education plans,” he warned.