The Taraba state government has strongly condemned the unauthorised laboratory tests conducted on primary school pupils by the Head Teacher of Hassan Primary School in Jalingo, Dauda Bakari.
The tests carried out without the knowledge or approval of the Ministry of Education or relevant authorities have sparked outrage among parents and teachers in the state.
Dr. Augustina Godwin, the state’s Commissioner for Education, expressed her disapproval of the actions when speaking to the media on Thursday.
She clarified that the Ministry of Education disassociated itself from the incident and assured that an investigation would soon be conducted. She further stated that a committee will be established to investigate the matter, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
Godwin, through the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Idris Goje, stated that the Head Teacher’s actions were unacceptable, noting that such decisions should have been made only after obtaining official approval from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) or the Ministry of Education.
The Commissioner also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the ongoing free education program, highlighting several achievements, including the free registration of students for exams such as NECO, WASSCE, NABTEB, and mock exams.
She also mentioned the ongoing construction of 60 Model Schools and the provision of feeding programs, uniforms, sandals, and instructional materials for students.
Mrs Christiana S. Binga, Chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), also condemned the Head Teacher’s actions, calling them “ridiculous” and emphasising the need for severe punishment due to gross misconduct.
She appreciated the measures the Ministry of Education took and warned that SUBEB would not tolerate similar acts in the future.
The Head Teacher, Dauda Bakari, has since expressed regret over the incident, explaining that the medical laboratory students from Taraba State University (TSU), who visited the school with an introductory letter, were conducting a research project on the prevalence of intestinal parasites among children aged 10 and above at the school.
Despite this explanation, the lack of prior approval for such an exercise has raised concerns.
