The management of the Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos State, has found itself entangled in controversy as it reportedly suspended three students indefinitely. The alleged reason behind this punitive action is a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by the parents of these students. The complaint revolves around how funds were managed by the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) of the school. Notably, a fourth student escaped the suspension as they had already completed their studies before the disciplinary measures were enforced.
Aggrieved by what they perceived as unjust retaliation, parents took to a Television Continental (TVC) program to share their side of the story. According to them, their quest for transparency regarding the PTA’s expenditure of approximately N23 million resulted in them being labelled as rebels. This, in turn, led to both parents and their children facing severe consequences.
Mrs. Falilat Oluwashogbon, one of the affected parents, recounted the genesis of the issue, pointing to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the PTA in 2022. At this meeting, questions were raised about the financial report, specifically the alleged increase in the salary of PTA teachers to N23 million without any new hires or salary increments. Oluwashogbon expressed concern about discrepancies in the records, including reported spending over N1 million on sports and N1 million as a sitting allowance for PTA executive members.
“Surprisingly, those of us that raised concerns about how the funds were being spent were removed from the Telegram group that parents, the principal, and even some teachers belong to,” she explained. Additionally, the parents found their children’s portals blocked, prompting them to petition the EFCC over several months when no resolution was reached.
Pius Sodje, another parent who is also a lawyer, alleged that his child narrowly avoided being prevented from sitting for the previous year’s WAEC and NECO examinations. He highlighted issues with the figures presented by the PTA at the AGM, emphasizing the need for more satisfactory explanations for the expenditures.
In response to these allegations, the Chairman of the PTA, Comrade Shola Tokede, contested the parents’ claims during his appearance on the TVC program. He attributed the controversy to the aftermath of the 2021 PTA election, stating that those making accusations had lost in the election. Tokede vehemently denied any mismanagement of funds, insisting that all expenses and incomes were duly accounted for.
Regarding the suspension of students, Tokede cited a memo from the Federal Ministry of Education. He claimed that any parent taking issues to court over their children’s schools would result in their children being suspended until the matter is withdrawn or settled in court. He asserted this is in accordance with the regulations laid down by the Federal Ministry of Education.
However, Douglas Damoor, another parent, clarified that their engagement with the EFCC was not a legal matter that went to court. Furthermore, the parents claimed they were unaware of the said memo. Damoor expressed concern for the innocent students facing the consequences and emphasized that they intended to seek clarification on alleged financial infractions.
When our correspondent visited the school, teachers declined to comment, citing their status as civil servants and the ongoing investigation by the Federal Ministry of Education. The PTA’s public relations officer mentioned that the association would release its position soon.
This unfortunate situation raises significant questions about transparency, accountability, and the delicate balance between parental concerns and administrative decisions within educational institutions. The clash between the parents and the PTA has not only led to the suspension of students but has also shone a spotlight on the broader issue of how schools handle financial matters and respond to parental inquiries.
The parents’ concerns about the alleged financial irregularities, such as the reported increase in PTA teachers’ salaries and questionable spending, highlight the importance of accountability in managing school funds. Schools, especially those receiving public funds, must maintain high transparency to build trust among parents and the wider community.
The response from the PTA chairman, Comrade Shola Tokede, raises questions about the internal dynamics within the association and its ability to address concerns raised by parents. The conflicting narratives from both parties underscore the need for an impartial investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the alleged mismanagement of funds and the subsequent suspension of students.
The claim that students are suspended due to their parents taking school-related issues to court adds another layer of complexity to the situation. While the Federal Ministry of Education’s regulations may provide a framework for handling such matters, the potential impact on innocent students not party to legal disputes raises ethical considerations.
