- Jigawa Govt Uncovers Feeding Programme Fraud
- Contractors, Supervisors Sacked
- Sankara revealed that the inspections uncovered discrepancies between reported and actual student populations in several schools
The Jigawa State Government has terminated the services of several contractors and kitchen supervisors over alleged irregularities in its school feeding programme.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued by the office of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Services, Awwalu D Sankara, who accused the affected individuals of involvement in fraudulent practices, including the diversion of food meant for students and hospital patients.
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According to the statement, the government expressed concern over widespread misconduct among some food suppliers, warning that those found culpable would face prosecution.
“The Jigawa State Government has taken firm action against corruption in its feeding programme. All culprits will face the full weight of the law,” the statement read.
The action followed surprise inspections conducted across schools and health facilities in Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, and Yankwashi local government areas.
Sankara revealed that the inspections uncovered discrepancies between reported and actual student populations in several schools.
“In some schools, the number of students being reported was far higher than those actually present,” he said.
He cited Government Junior Secondary School, Karkarna in Yankwashi, where only 123 students were found on ground despite records showing 257.
The commissioner added that similar irregularities were recorded in other locations, raising concerns about possible diversion of funds allocated for the feeding programme.
Inspectors also received complaints about the quality of food supplied, with some contractors allegedly providing substandard meals and failing to meet required standards.
As part of the measures taken, four kitchen supervisors were dismissed for allegedly falsifying records, while two contractors were removed for supplying substandard food. Another contractor at a hospital in Gwiwa was also dismissed for failing to meet feeding requirements.
In addition, two school officials are currently under investigation for allegedly collaborating to manipulate records at Government Girls Science Secondary School in Roni.
Sankara stressed that the government would not tolerate any act that deprives students and patients of their entitlements, assuring residents that unannounced inspections would continue to ensure accountability in the programme.
