From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party PDP has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to immediately sack the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge management Dr Mrs Margaret Adamu for operating a substandard school.
Chairman, PDP Makurdi local government area Hon Paul Tion made the call at a press conference held at his office in Makurdi, accused the education commissioner of violating extant laws and operating a mushroom school school.
Paul said following credible intelligence of the ownership and operation of a mushroom school in Makurdi by the Commissioner, noting that a discreet investigation was launched by concerned citizens, in the course of which the following sad facts were uncovered:
Said he, “for context, a “mushroom school” refers to an educational facility that is hurriedly put up and operated, often without proper planning, government approval, or adequate infrastructure.
“Such schools are usually found in low-income areas, and have poor facilities, with monetary returns and profit at the centre of their operations.”
He maintained that the school in question is named Marleon International School and is located behind Mobile Barracks, Adeke, Makurdi.
According to him,”credible facts gathered establish shiwed that the school is owned by Dr Mrs. Margaret Adamu, the Commissioner of Education and Knowledge Management in Benue State, and run under the headship of her daughter, Ms. Patience Adamu. Pictorial and video evidence established that the school operates under conditions which grossly violate the Guidelines for Establishment of Pre-Primary and Primary Schools issued under extant laws regulating the educational sector in the state.
”Under extant educational laws in Benue State, schools must operate in purpose-built educational facilities, meet strict health, sanitation, staffing, and safety requirements, and undergo inspection and approval before operation. However, Marleon International School by available evidence falls short in several critical areas:
”Marleon International School operates within a four-bedroom residential apartment, with private rooms converted into classrooms. This arrangement contradicts extant provisions of law requiring approved building plans, standard classroom dimensions, adequate ventilation, emergency exits, and a clear separation between residential and school facilities. The guidelines further prohibit the establishment of residential or boarding-style nursery and primary schools.
”The evidenced use of pit toilets at the school premises is a direct violation of extant laws requirements VIP or water-cistern toilets designed to ensure hygiene, child safety, and proper waste disposal in learning environments.
”Available evidence shows that Merleon International School runs its Nursery, Primary, and Secondary classes with only thirteen (13) teachers. This falls below the prescribed minimum number of teachers, the requirement of one teacher per class, and the approved teacher–pupil ratio of 1:25, all of which are clearly stipulated under extant regulations.
”There is no evidence that the school meets requirements for a functional playground, basic health scheme, potable water supply, fencing, fire-fighting equipment, library, or other essential facilities mandated for the safe and effective operation of a primary school.
“These discoveries are particularly troubling considering that Dr Mrs. Margaret Adamu, as Commissioner of Education and Knowledge Management, is the chief custodian of educational standards in Benue State. If her privately owned school is indeed operating outside approved standards, it represents a serious conflict of interest, a breach of public trust, and a moral failure that undermines the credibility of education regulation in the state.
“Suffice to say that a Commissioner of Education who operates a substandard school cannot, in good conscience, enforce quality standards across the state. This constitutes a clear failure of integrity, ethics, and leadership.
“I hereby, in the interest of the public good, and protection of Benue child’s right to quality education, call for the immediate resignation of Dr. Mrs. Margaret Adamu from office as Commissioner of Education and Knowledge Management in Benue State. Her continued stay in office raises grave concerns over institutional integrity, moral authority, and the will to enforce quality educational standards in the state.
“I also call on Governor Hyacinth Alia to institute a Commission of Inquiry to look into possible harm caused to the educational sector of the state by the complicit conduct of Dr. Mrs. Margaret Adamu.
“Benue children deserve safe schools, qualified teachers, and non compromised standards, not selective enforcement, regulatory capture, or institutional hypocrisy. The future of our children must never be sacrificed on the altar of personal interest”.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management Dr Margaret Adamu adamantly refused to comment on the issue.
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