Jigawa Govt Suspends Girls Model School Principal Over Inflated Student Records in Feeding Programme

The Jigawa State Government has suspended the Principal of Girls Model Boarding School, Kudai, in Dutse Local Government Area, after uncovering irregularities in student records during a follow-up inspection of the ongoing school feeding programme.

The decision was taken during a monitoring visit led by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Hon. Auwal D. Sankara (FICA), as part of sweeping reforms aimed at sanitising the state’s school feeding and welfare system.

The visit came shortly after the ministry suspended several fraudulent school feeding contractors on January 7, following audits that revealed gross violations of approved feeding standards.

According to the Ministry, an audit at Girls Model Boarding School exposed a 30 per cent inflation in student headcount, prompting the immediate suspension of the principal. The Vice Principal has now been directed to oversee the school in an acting capacity pending the deployment of a substantive principal.

Commissioner Sankara stated that the move reflects the government’s determination to ensure accountability, noting that school administrators — not only contractors — will be held responsible for discrepancies affecting student welfare.

During the inspection, the Commissioner observed noticeable improvements in the quality of meals being provided. Meals previously deemed inadequate have now been replaced with more nutritious options aligned with approved dietary guidelines. He also confirmed better compliance with the feeding menu and standards.

Staff members reportedly expressed appreciation for the reforms, acknowledging that the intervention has helped ensure that funds and resources meant for students are now being used appropriately.

Reiterating the government’s position, Sankara warned that unannounced inspections will continue across all boarding schools to safeguard the integrity of Governor Umar Namadi Danmodi’s 12-point development agenda. He stressed that any administrator or contractor found sabotaging the feeding programme would face strict sanctions.

The Ministry also urged parents, students, and community members to remain vigilant and report any lapses in the feeding system to support the success of the ongoing reforms.