Students of Senior Secondary School, Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, have staged a peaceful protest over allegations of misconduct against the school’s principal, Mr. Gbarawi Best Nathaniel.
The students, who demonstrated early Wednesday morning, called on the Rivers State Government and the Commissioner for Education to intervene in the matter, alleging that the principal’s actions were affecting their academic welfare.
In a letter presented to the paramount ruler of the community by the Senior Prefect Boy, Goka Sule, the students outlined several allegations against the principal, including the demand for fees they considered questionable.
According to the students, the principal allegedly demanded N20,000 for admission, N10,000 for a WAEC calculator and N13,000 as sports fees, despite their claim that no sporting activities were being organised in the school.
The students expressed concern over the alleged financial demands and appealed to the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and ensure that their educational interests were protected.
They urged the Rivers State Government, community leaders and education authorities to act swiftly, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in the administration of public schools.
The protest, which the students described as peaceful, was intended to draw attention to their grievances and seek a resolution that would allow them to pursue their studies without undue hardship.
However, the allegations against the principal had yet to be independently verified as of the time of filing this report. It was also unclear whether the principal or the Rivers State Ministry of Education had formally responded to the claims.
The students’ appeal is expected to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the need for a thorough investigation and appropriate action, if the allegations are substantiated.
