Jigawa Gov’t Deepens Student Feeding Reform, Suspends School Principal Over Fraud
…Commissioner Sankara Leads Follow-up Inspection at Kudai Girls Model Boarding School
By Mustapha Salisu
The Jigawa State Government has intensified its ongoing reform of the student feeding and welfare system, following the recent crackdown on fraudulent school feeding contractors across the state.
In a decisive move to sustain transparency and accountability, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Hon. Auwal D. Sankara (Fica), on Monday led a follow-up monitoring visit to the Girls Model Boarding School, Kudai, in Dutse Local Government Area. The exercise aimed to verify compliance with the new quality standards introduced after the suspension of erring contractors on January 7th.
During the inspection, the Ministry confirmed the immediate suspension of the school principal for allegedly inflating the student headcount by 30% in the last audit exercise.
Consequently, the Vice-Principal has been appointed to serve in an acting capacity pending the deployment of a substantive replacement by relevant authorities.
Hon. Sankara emphasized that the disciplinary action demonstrates the state government’s resolve to hold both school administrators and contractors accountable for any discrepancies in student records or welfare management.
The Commissioner commended the school management and catering staff for significant improvements in the quality of meals provided to students.
He observed that the once “unfit” meals and substandard staples had been replaced with nutritious, high-quality food, in line with the approved dietary guidelines of the state.
Staff members expressed appreciation to the Ministry, noting that the intervention had restored accountability and ensured that resources meant for the students now reach them directly.
Hon. Sankara reaffirmed that the Ministry will sustain its oversight to safeguard the integrity of Governor Umar Namadi Danmodi’s 12-Point Agenda, stressing that the government’s reforms go beyond temporary fixes.
“Our visit today proves that we are not just making temporary changes; we are instituting a permanent culture of excellence,” he said. “Any administrator or contractor found sabotaging the school feeding programme is an enemy of progress. We will continue unannounced visits across the state no one is untouchable when it comes to the welfare of our children.”
The Ministry further urged parents, students, and community members to remain vigilant and report any irregularities in the school feeding system to ensure the sustainability of the reform.
