As a move to ensure compliance in the implementation of free education in basic education, the Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Basic Education Board (RSUBEB), Dr Fynface Akah, has suspended two principals of junior secondary schools in the state indefinitely for alleged illegal collection of admission fees as well as uniforms from parents of students seeking admission into their various schools.
The two principals placed on indefinite suspension by the RSUBEB are, Mrs Lora Amadi of Community Secondary School, Rumuokurusi in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area; and Mr Echiekpu Collins of Government Technical College, Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.
They have also been directed to hand over to the most senior vice principals in their various schools.
Akah announced the suspension while giving his keynote address titled, “Positive School Mission” during the flag off of the second batch of the UBE Training for Supervising Directors, Acting and prospective School Heads, held last Wednesday at the board’s headquarters, in Port Harcourt.
He said under the free education of the present administration in the state, no head of school or principal under the basic education system was allowed to collect any form of levy in disguise of admission fees or purchase of school uniforms.
He added that the board has not given approval of such, and declared the fees as illegal.
Akah described as worrisome information that some school principals cultivate the habit of commercialising their position as economic venture instead of exploring creative educational administration, and warned all basic secondary school principals and head teachers to stop exploiting parents and students in their schools as the board would not hesitate to reprimand any one violating the free education policy in the state.
He said the essence of the training was to create sense of positive change among leaders of both junior secondary schools and primary school heads with a view to instituting a positive culture change in the school environment.
According to him, “Within the seven years of its leadership, the board has appointed heads of schools and junior secondary school principals on merit and not on political affiliation.
“Those who we appointed are purely on merit after subjecting them to vigorous examination.
“As leadership, we need to let them understand that theyplay important role in achieving the creative leadership of inclusion where both parents, pupils, students and the community are brought together.
“We live in a time where principals, heads of schools are seeing their position as economic platform to enrich their purses rather than engagement in giving leadership learning to children to propel changes and attitude. So, we need to train them to focus and deepen their experience on how to positively manage their schools,” he added.
The RSUBEB boss urged the school heads and junior secondary principals to see themselves as an integral part of the education management system in the state, adding that those who were aspiring for leadership positions must be ready and distinguish themselves.
He said that the problem of out-of-school children in the state was compounded by the activities and actions of the principals and heads of schools.
“We need heads of schools and principals who will be worried and burdened when their students and pupils are not doing well or crying. Have passion to effect positive changes in the lives of the students under your watch.
“Also, try to understand the environment where you are and carry everybody along. Creative education must go beyond conventional education,” he stated.
According to him, “The regular training for teachers in UBE schools is to enable them imbibe creative education culture that would impact the children, parents and the environment of the school”, stating that “the training is a regular sensitisation programme where the best heads, the best hands and the best hearts are chosen to administer the schools”.
Earlier, the Director, Administration and Supplies, Mr Karibi George, said the training was a key policy of the board to build the capacity of teachers to administer the UBE schools.

By: Akujobi Amadi & Ike Wigodo