School Feeding: Jigawa Govt Suspends School Principal
Auwal D. Sankara
The Jigawa State Government, on Monday suspended the Principal of Girls Model Boarding School, Kudai, in Dutse Local Government Area over the discovery of 30 percent inflation of the number of students in the school.
The government had conducted a head count earlier to enable the government make proper arrangements for students feeding and welfare.
The government had recent terminated contract of some fraudulent school feeding contractors as part of decisive action to sanitize the state’s student feeding and welfare systems.
According to the Commissioner, Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Auwal D. Sankara, who went on follow-up monitoring exercise at the Girls Model Boarding School, Kudai, to verify compliance with the new quality standards established after the suspension of erring contractors on January 7th, the Principal was found wanting.
“During the visit, the Ministry confirmed the immediate suspension of the School Principal following the discovery of a 30% inflation in student headcount during the previous audit.
“The Vice-Principal has been appointed to serve in an acting capacity effective immediately, pending the posting of a permanent replacement by the relevant authorities.
“This move serves as a clear signal that school administrators will be held just as accountable as contractors for any discrepancies in student records or welfare management,” the Commissioner said.
On the school feeding programme, Sankara said there has been remarkable transformation in the quality of meals provided to the students.
He observed that the previously “unfit” soup and low-grade staples served students have been replaced with high-quality, nutritious meals.
“Feeding now aligns with the approved nutritional guidelines, prioritizing student health and growth.
“Staff members at the institution expressed their appreciation to the Ministry, noting that the intervention has restored order and ensured that the resources meant for the children actually reach their plates,” he added.
The Commissioner warned that the Ministry would not relent in its mission to protect the integrity of the state Governor, Malam Umar Namadi and his 12-Point Agenda.
“Our visit today proves that we are not just making temporary changes; we are instituting a permanent culture of excellence. Any school administrator or contractor found sabotaging the feeding program is an enemy of the state’s progress. We will continue our unannounced visits across the state. No one is untouchable when it comes to the welfare of our children.”
He encouraged parents, students, and community members to remain vigilant and report any observed lapses in the school feeding programme to ensure its success.
