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From Billy Abel, Yola
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has suspended the Executive Secretary of the State Post-Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB), Birsan Penuel, over alleged irregularities in the discharge of his official duties.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is to pave the way for a thorough investigation into the allegations.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, announced the decision in a statement on Sunday, saying the action was aimed at ensuring accountability and protecting the integrity of the state’s post-primary education system.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the most senior director in the board has been directed to take over its administration to ensure that activities continue without disruption.
Fintiri warned political appointees and public officers against actions capable of undermining due process, transparency and accountability, declaring that his administration would not allow misconduct to derail progress in the education sector.
“I will not look back in taking the necessary steps, no matter how tough, to protect the integrity of the system and ensure that our children receive the quality education they deserve,” the governor said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning the education sector and improving services to students and other stakeholders.
According to him, measures introduced over the past seven years include recruitment of qualified teachers, rehabilitation and construction of classrooms, provision of instructional materials and regular payment of salaries and allowances.
Fintiri said the interventions had helped reverse some of the negative trends previously confronting education in the state.
He vowed to deal decisively with any action capable of undermining the gains recorded, saying the government remained determined to build a functional and credible post-primary education system.
The outcome of the investigation into the allegations against Penuel is expected to determine the government’s next course of action.
