Delta State Principals Threaten School Shutdown Over Imposition of N20,000 Levy for Governor’s Portrait
Secondary school principals in Delta State are up in arms over an alleged imposition of a N20,000 fee for the purchase of the state governor’s portrait by each principal. The controversial directive, issued by the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, has sparked outrage among the school administrators.
The ultimatum presented by the commissioner has incited an impending showdown, with the principals declaring their intent to shut down schools unless the decision is reversed. The move is purportedly aimed at collecting over N20 million from the 489 principals and 25 Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) across the state.
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According to reports, Mrs. Ezewu established an education monitoring task force team, led by Tony Edah, to compel all principals in the state to pay the N20,000 levy before the end of the month for the governor’s portrait.
Despite attempts to contact Commissioner Ezewu, she neither answered her calls nor responded to messages, leaving the principals in a state of confusion and frustration.
The issue was discussed at a recent meeting between the monitoring task force team and the principals, which took place at Osubi Grammar School. It was revealed that the commissioner had assigned one Israel Akpokeri in the ministry to inform the principals and CIEs of the need to comply with the levy.
Tensions escalated when it became apparent that Ezewu had established the monitoring task force team without involving the ministry. The demand for N20,000 from each principal for the governor’s portrait has ignited discontent among the school administrators, who view it as excessive and unwarranted.
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The situation has created a rift between the school principals and the commissioner, with many principals expressing their unwillingness to pay the levy and a strong determination to resist this imposition. The prospect of this resistance poses a significant threat to the smooth progression of this academic session.
Some of the principals, who chose to remain anonymous out of fear of reprisals, voiced their frustration with the continuous demands placed on them by the commissioner. They claimed that Mrs. Ezewu had previously sought incentives from them during her various visits to their schools and is now targeting CIEs for similar contributions.
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The principals have raised concerns about Mrs. Ezewu’s actions, particularly her visits to their schools without the presence of the permanent secretary and director of the ministry. Instead, she is accompanied by Mr. Israel Akpokeri, whom they contest is not a director in the ministry.
In response to the mounting unrest, the principals have called for the governor’s intervention in the matter, urging an investigation into the situation to rectify what they perceive as a grave injustice. The resolution of this dispute is eagerly anticipated, as it holds significant implications for the education sector in Delta State.
