Stop arbitrary school charges -FCTA warns principals

By Stanley Onyekwere

Principals of secondary schools in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT) have been admonished to stop school charges that do not seem to conform to relevant extant rules and regulations.
This admonition was handed by the FCT Administration through its Education Secretariat, to the 234 school principals in the nation’s capital city.
Accordingly, the Administration strongly advised that principals must first seek the permission of their various Boards and Departments before implementing any form of school charges, as they must adhere strictly to all laid down instructions.
Making this point known yesterday, Secretary, FCTA Education Secretariat, Dr. Bala Mohammed Liman, disclosed that the directive was necessary due to receipt of disturbing reports of illegal school charges in the Territory.
Liman, who spoke at the 33rd anniversary of FCT chapter of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) held at NUT’s house Lugbe, Abuja, insisted that principals must adhere strictly to all laid down instructions.
He equally advised principals as to always carry all members of staff along in all important decision making process, to ensure the smooth day to day management, as the academic performance of the students rests squarely on their shoulders.
He described principals as the backbone of the FCT school system, as they serve as the link between the administrators in the various head offices and schools.
While commending the principals for their great efforts in trying to keep schools running, Liman noted that FCT schools in the last few years have maintained an average pass of 50%.
Thee new education secretary reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to improving on the national academic standings of the territory.
In a subtle response, the FCT ANCOPSS president, Alhaji Abdulkarim Abdulrahman assured that there wouldn’t be school charges if the appropriate authorities did not give approval.
Abdulrahman commended the FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Bello and the directors for always giving prompt attention to issues that will sustained and promote quality education in FCT.