Anambra Commissioner of Education Vows to Protect Private Schools from Exploitative Practices

 

The Commissioner for Education in Anambra State, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has issued a stern warning against the growing trend of individuals posing as government staff to extort money from private schools in the state. Speaking at a key stakeholders’ meeting on the National Education Quality Assurance Policy (NEQAP) and its implementation guidelines, Chuma-Udeh emphasized that the current administration will not tolerate any form of harassment or exploitation aimed at private educational institutions.

The meeting, which took place at the Ministry of Education Boardroom within the Jerome Udorji Secretariat in Awka, brought together a range of stakeholders from the education sector, including public and private school representatives, as well as officers from the NEQAP office.

In her address, Professor Chuma-Udeh expressed strong disapproval of the illegal activities that have recently been affecting private schools, urging the public to remain vigilant against such practices. She stated that it was essential for the education system to maintain its integrity by ensuring that those entering schools to carry out assessments or inspections are legitimate government agents.

"We will not allow anyone to terrorize our private schools under the guise of being government officials," Chuma-Udeh declared. "The present administration is committed to ensuring that all stakeholders in the education sector operate within a framework that promotes quality and accountability."

The Commissioner underscored the importance of the National Education Quality Assurance Policy in strengthening the education system, especially in relation to how inspections and monitoring are conducted. She highlighted that there are clear delineations of responsibilities between federal and state education staff, and it is crucial that these guidelines are followed to avoid any confusion or overlap of authority.

"Federal staff must be aware of the state's structures and procedures, especially as it pertains to education," she continued. "We have bodies responsible for quality assurance within the Ministry of Education, and you are expected to operate in alignment with state policies. It’s crucial that we have a clear distinction between legitimate government actions and those of unauthorized individuals posing as officials."

Chuma-Udeh also pointed out that if the system becomes too porous, it would be difficult to differentiate between legitimate government agents and fraudsters. She stressed the need for a coordinated effort to preserve the integrity of the educational sector.

Mrs. Regina Ifezuruike, the Director of the NEQAP office in Awka, also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the support the NEQAP office has received from public schools. She expressed confidence that the same level of cooperation would be extended by private and mission schools. Ifezuruike clarified the role of NEQAP in ensuring uniformity between the Federal Ministry of Education and state ministries, particularly in the execution of educational policies.

"The NEQAP office is not about extorting money from schools, as some may believe," Ifezuruike said. "Rather, our role is to monitor and evaluate the quality of education provided in schools according to established guidelines, with the aim of improving teaching and learning outcomes."

The meeting also saw Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, highlight the challenges that have hindered the effective implementation of quality assurance policies. Among these challenges, she listed inadequate funding, misconceptions about the role of quality assurance, and security concerns.

Dame Chinyere Mbakwe, a representative of the Private Schools on the ASUBEB Board, advocated for the inclusion of private schools in the distribution of federal educational grants, pointing out that private institutions are an integral part of the state’s educational system.

In closing, Dame Eunice Mesigo, a member of the Anambra State Education Commission, expressed gratitude to Governor Charles Soludo for his transformative efforts in the state’s education sector. She praised his administration for its commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Anambra and assured that the people of the state are fully aware of the positive changes taking place.

The event concluded with the distribution of copies of the National Education Quality Assurance Policy and Implementation Guidelines booklets to the Commissioner and other key education stakeholders present.

This meeting marked a significant step in fostering collaboration between public and private schools, and it reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that quality education standards are upheld across the state.