Delta State Government Suspends Five Primary School Headteachers Over Illegal Levies
By OCHUKO IYARA
Asaba, Delta State – In a bold move to curb corruption in the education sector, the Delta State Government has suspended five primary school headteachers for extorting pupils through unauthorized levies.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the State Ministry of Information in Asaba and signed by Permanent Secretary Theresa Adiabua-Oliko. The decision, made public on Friday, January 31, 2025, follows an investigation led by the Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu.
Crackdown on Illegal Levies
According to the statement, the suspension comes after an on-the-spot visit by Dr. Ashibogwu to various schools across the state. It was discovered that the implicated headteachers had been imposing unauthorized fees on pupils taking the 2025 Cognitive and Placement Examination.
Schools Affected
The following schools were identified in the scandal:
- Asamala Primary School, Ugiliamai (Ndokwa West LGA)
- Abraka Model Primary School, Abraka (Ethiope East LGA)
- Ekrejeta Primary School, Abraka (Ethiope East LGA)
- Origin Primary School, Orogun (Ughelli North LGA)
Government’s Zero-Tolerance Policy on Corruption
The government emphasized its unwavering commitment to eliminating corruption from the educational sector. A formal request has been submitted to the State Universal Basic Education Board for further disciplinary action against the guilty officials.
“This administration will not condone any form of exploitation in our schools,” the statement warned, reiterating that strict punitive measures would be taken against any official found guilty of malpractice.
Ensuring Transparency in Education
The Delta State Government continues to enforce policies that promote transparency and accountability in education. The swift suspension of these headteachers serves as a warning to other officials engaging in unethical practices.
