The Governor Ibikunle Amosun-led Ogun State Government has sacked six officials of its Ministry of Education for an allegedly offensive Senior School English language summary passage used for the State Unified Examination in public secondary schools.
According to Premium Times, Governor Amosun took offense at the passage which took a critical look at the appalling state of public school education offered by the government.
The passage read:
“There is no arguing about the fact that the government is merely paying lip service to the development of the education. It is true that a lot of money is being spent on education sector but, with little or no impact felt by the people, except where we want to deceive ourselves.
“Many school run by the government which were formally known for academic excellence have suddenly lost their prestige and are living on past glory. No wonder many parents and guardians are threateningly left with only one option, to withdraw their wards from these schools to other ones that are better managed.”
Infuriated by the passage, Governor Amosun allegedly ordered the sack of the ministry officials directly in charge of the examination.According to reliable sources, those affected in the sacking spree include an acting Permanent Secretary, Folashade Oresegun; three directors including, Ganiyu Odunsi, and a deputy director, curriculum and evaluation, one Mr. Majekodunmi.Sources also reveal that a teacher at Mayflower School who acted as an examiner was also relieved of his duty.
When contacted for confirmation, the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa said: “The issue is a civil service matter, the best person to comment is the state Head of Service. Please call Head of Service”.
When approached for comments, the Ogun State Head of Service, Modupe Adekunle, said: “I am aware that not all of them were dismissed, some were terminated, some compulsorily retired.
“When the issue came up, the state government put in the necessary process, a panel was set up to investigate and based on their recommendations, the civil service commission has to decide. It is a decision that has been related to the affected officers.
“The normal process was that a panel was set up, the report forwarded to the Civil Service Commission for the civil servants, the Teaching Service Commission, for the teachers.
“The decision was in line with the civil service rule, due process was followed to the latter.”
