From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Acting Executive Secretary, Benue State Teaching Service Board (TSB), Mr. Tsea Ahule, has warned that henceforth, school principals would be held responsible for any act resulting in examination malpractice during the forthcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE in the State.

He gave the warning during a meeting with all the 23 Coordinating Principals in the State at the Board’s Headquarters Makurdi, Monday. Mr. Ahule noted that with the support of principals, Benue State would reclaim its position as the center of excellence in education.He enjoined the Principals to be on ground during the examinations and be vigilant not to give room for any situation that might lead to examination malpractice at their various schools and centres.While reiterating Governor Alia’s passion, concern and commitment to education, Mr Tsea disclosed that the Governor will be glad to see a resounding outcome of the WAEC examination results for the students who were duly registered by the state government.Commenting on the issue of PTA staff in schools, the Executive Secretary frowned at some Principals who sneaked in names of candidates who were not identified from the School’s Payment Vouchers (PVs) which was discovered after a staff audit carried out by both the Board and external auditors.He requested Principals to bring forward actual names of PTA staff that were duly audited for more verification.On the issue of promotions of staff, the acting executive secretary intimated that the 2022 promotions are ready, adding that the board will soon notify staff to come for collection of their promotion letters.According to him, those staff expected to be promoted from grade levels 13 to14, and 15 to 16 respectively, might not meet the cut-off marks of 50% and would have to re-write the exams as recently directed by the Ministry.He further intimated that, request has been sent to the Ministry also for the registration of 2023 and 2024 promotions that have been pending in order to clear the backlog of arrears.Mr Tsea Ahule said he was happy to inform that the almighty GL 16 had already been prepared and would soon be presented to the Head of Service through the Ministry of Education for onward presentation to the Governor for approval.The ES lauded Principals for their consistency and support to the Board whenever they were called upon.Responding, the ANCOPSS President, Prince John Patrick Abah PhD, the Coordinating Principal Makurdi Local Government and Principal Padopas Harmony Secondary School Makurdi, Mrs. Regina Ahura; Coordinating Principal Gboko Local Government and Principal Government Secondary School, Gboko, Mr. Samuel Iorver all appreciated the Executive Secretary for always briefing them and the efforts put in place to make sure things were rightly done.Principals regretted some challenges from School’s communities especially attempts to sabotage external examinations by aiding and abetting exams malpractice, they pleaded for cooperation from education stakeholders to assist their children and wards to do well in every given assignment in order to encourage them to become better citizens.A statement from the board information officer, Comfort Dooga, said the Director Administration and Finance, DAF of the board, Mrs. Comfort Matu urged Principals to always involve school community leaders in some important school’s activities and issues for better dialogue.