Fatshimetrie: Suspension of teachers for collecting exam fees despite the free education policy in Taraba
In a recent case that rocked Taraba State, two teachers were suspended following allegations of plotting to sabotage the free and compulsory education policy implemented by Governor Agbu Kefas. Last year, the governor announced free education in all primary and secondary schools in Taraba to mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidies.
He had stressed that it was the responsibility of the government to bear the expenses and no fees should be imposed on students. In addition, he declared a state of emergency in the education sector.
The teachers, Joshua and Rimamsikwe, were sanctioned for collecting registration fees for the 2024 West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams, even though the fees were supposedly covered by the policy free education.
These actions contravened the government directive and led to their suspension. In suspension letters dated Friday, April 5, 2024, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Abel Joachim, accused Joshua and Rimamsikwe of collecting money from candidates for the exams, going against the free education policy recently introduced by the governor of Taraba.
“In view of the above, you are therefore requested to hand over the school to the Vice-Principal, Administration, with immediate effect, pending further investigation into the matter,” the suspension letter read. .
This case highlights the challenges facing education systems, particularly with regard to the effective implementation of free education policies. It is essential that education stakeholders respect and support these policies to ensure equitable and quality education for all students.