By Sunny A. David
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has ordered the immediate suspension of the Principal of Metu Memorial Secondary School, Onitsha, Dr. Fidelia Ogili for allegedly collecting illegal fees, contrary to the mandate of the Governor on free and compulsory Education for JSS students.
A press release signed by the Chairman Post Primary Schools Service Commission, PPSSC Awka, Professor Nkechi Ikediugwu.
According to the release it was gathered that on a PTA meeting that was held on 23rd November, 2023, she asked the parents to pay N1,700 each for the payment of PTA teachers, students whose parents were absent from the PTA meeting were asked to pay N1,000 each while students whose parents were absent from the school orientation programme were levied N1,000 each as well.
The release notes that Dr Ogili, in addition to the above, also asked students to pay N2,500 each as their first term examination levy.
Recall that six Principals were suspended some months back for the same offence – flouting the free education policy of the State government but were later pardoned and when they were recalled.
The Town Hall gathered that there was an agreement between Governor Soludo and School Principals in the State to the effect that anyone who defaults again will face summary dismissal.
The suspended Principal of Metu Memorial Secondary School Onitsha, Dr Ogili has therefore been ordered to handover all the school property in her possession to the Vice Principal Administration of the school with immediate effect and report to PPSSC Headquarters, Awka, for further actions.