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Investigation Reveals Transparency and Infrastructure Improvements at GTC Enugu
In recent weeks, Government Technical College, Enugu, found itself embroiled in controversy surrounding allegations of corruption and exploitation in the collection of school fees. Parents were outraged, claiming that their wards were being charged exorbitant fees, some of which were not officially receipted.”
However, a comprehensive investigation has shed light on the situation, dispelling some of the initial concerns.
The controversy revolved around the fees stipulated by the Principal, Mr. Isife Christopher. New students were required to pay ₦2,800 for file creation and ₦9,500 for school fees, but the receipt only reflected ₦2,550. Additional fees were assigned to various departments, and there were allegations of extra charges for students seeking admission or department changes.
The State Ministry of Education, upon hearing this, took immediate action to address the allegations and established a committee to investigate and unravel the mysteries behind these allegations.
During the investigation, the State NUT Chairman uncovered several key facts that provided clarity on the situation which includes :
- The fees collected were in line with government directives.
- Some fees, such as SMBVC, practicals, orientation, and more, lacked receipts due to technical challenges as at that time.
- The fees were collected within the school premises to ensure students’ safety and prevent them from falling victim to road accidents and other vices.
Furthermore, the investigation found that the school did not add any additional charges beyond the approved fees, and they were mandated to provide receipts for every payment received.
It also discovered that unlike the misconceptions in the public domain,the school’s admission is strictly monitored and investigated by the state’s ministry of education.
Newsflash.ng also discovered that almost all students who paid without receiving proper receipts have now been provided with supporting evidence.
The investigation also highlighted positive initiatives taken by the new Principal, Mr. Isife Christopher who took charge on the 15th of August, 2023 after serving meritoriously as the principal technical College Awgu.
Mr isife according to verifiable reports, personally, sourced for funds and embarked on erosion control projects, land scaping and lightening up of the entire school compound with Solar street light and other measures to curb environmental degradation caused by heavy rains and assure conducive environment for learning.
While initial concerns about corruption and exploitation at GTC Enugu raised alarm, a comprehensive investigation conducted by relevant authorities has revealed a different side of the story. The school’s fees were found to be in line with government directives, and efforts to ensure transparency were put in place. The school administration also initiated projects to improve the school’s infrastructure.
In light of these findings, it is clear that the Government of Barr Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is committed to restoring the glory of basic education in the state. The allegations of corruption and exploitation have been addressed, and it is now crucial for all stakeholders to work together to provide quality education to the students without compromising the common masses’ interests.
