The Anambra State government has demoted the principals of Community Secondary School, Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area and Community Secondary School, Igbakwu in Ayamelum LGA of the state, for alleged collection of illegal levies and other infractions.

The two principals are Mrs Cecilia Okeke from Community Secondary School, Awkuzu in Oyi LGA and Mrs Patricia Ezeabiakwa of Community Secondary School, Igbakwu, Ayamelum LGA.

They were allegedly caught respectively collecting between N10,000 and N40,000 from newly admitted students and others, an act which contravened the free education policy of the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

The Chairman, Post Primary Schools Service Commission, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, disclosed this to journalists in Awka, on Saturday.

Ikediugwu said the principals were caught during an unscheduled visit to the schools on Thursday.

She explained that the affected principals had been advised to step aside from their positions while their Vice Principal (Administration) takes over immediately.

She said, “Two principals of Community Secondary School, Awkuzu in Oyi LGA and Community Secondary School, Igbakwu in Ayamelum LGA have been demoted for misconducts bordering on collection of levies.

“Their conducts were in violation of the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s free education policy and these were discovered during a surprise visit to their schools.

“The demoted principals were asked to personally refund every kobo collected from the students within seven days, and submit proof of refund to the headquarters of PPSSC, Awka.

“The teachers involved in the acts were also urged to appear at the PPSSC headquarters on Monday, 15 December, to collect letters of query and await further disciplinary action, which could include suspension.”

She further noted that Soludo has made education free from nursery to secondary school and any principal or teacher who dares to violate it, would be declared a “saboteur” and treated as such.

She also noted that the PPSSC has set up a dedicated monitoring team for continuous surprise visitations to schools across the state beginning next term.

On September 24, 2024, PUNCH Online reported that Soludo announced free education for students of senior secondary in public schools in the state.

The governor announced free and compulsory education from nursery to junior secondary in public schools in line with his solution-free education policy.

Soludo made the announcement in Awka, while meeting with principals and head teachers in public primary and secondary schools.

He noted said that students of senior secondary in public schools would pay N5,000 only as tuition fees.

He said this would further increase children’s access to education and ensure the effective development of their personality, talents, mental and physical abilities. (Sunday PUNCH)