The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Wednesday wielded the big stick by suspending two teachers of the FCT School for the Blind, Jabi, alleged to be involved in the molestation of some female students.
A visibly angry Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa who made an unscheduled visit to the school following reports of incidences of molestations of some female students by teachers, directed the immediate suspension of Mr. Ilo Chukwuma and Ebenezer Olateju pending the conclusion of investigations on the matter.
The Permanent Secretary also directed that Mr. Chukwuma, who was accommodated in the school residential quarters, to vacate the school premises within the week, stressing that both teachers should stay clear of the school as investigations continue.
He further directed the Director of Security Services in the FCTA, Mr. Adamu Gwary to ensure full compliance and implementation of the directive.
While addressing the issue of alleged rape of a student against Mr. Ebenezer Olateju, the Permanent Secretary stressed that the image of the country and the FCTA was at stake adding that: “While we are working round the clock to give every physically challenged student the best of education, we cannot have incidences as this mar our progress and achievements”.
On why the teachers were suspended instead of being dismissed immediately, the Permanent Secretary said “We want to be fair and follow due process. So, we will allow the committee do its work and report by next week. But let me assure parents that, anyone found culpable in any of these incidences, not only in this school, will be dismissed and prosecuted. Our teachers, like Caesars wife must be above board.”
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According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Anthony Ogunleye, the Permanent Secretary expressed disgust over the actions of the accused teachers as he listened to victims narrate their ordeals.
He lamented that the teachers who are supposed to be protectors are now the students’ nightmare.
“We cannot allow this kind of behavior to continue. These children more or less are helpless and they depend on teachers here. They have confidence and trust in you, that you will protect them from immorality and even outside invasion and you turn now to be the person they are now afraid of. As a government we cannot just fold our arms,” he said.
One of the victims disclosed that the accused, Mr. Chukwuma had touched her inappropriately while they were in the school bus on an excursion to Kwali two weeks ago.
Another victim also claimed the accused had always singled her out to berate after she had indicated that she would not condone his inappropriate action.
Addressing the Permanent Secretary and management staff of the Universal Basic Education Board who accompanied the Permanent Secretary on the visit, the school’s Head Teacher, Abdulrazaq Suraju Ademola explained that already a committee has been setup to investigate the issue and the reports have been forwarded to the Secretary of the Local Education Authority for onward report to the FCT UBEB.
Also speaking, the Chairman, FCT Universal basic Education Board (UBEB) Dr Kabir Matazu said that the directives of the Permanent Secretary were already being implemented.
He also said that a note of warning has been sounded to all school heads that such behaviours will not be condoned in their schools and they will henceforth also be held liable if such incidences occurred. [THE NATION]
