The threat by the Commissioner for Education in Imo state Prof BOT Ikegwuoha to demote and send Principals of Secondary Schools, most of who are on salary Grade level 16 back to the classroom if they fail the Computer Appreciation course organized by his ministry has elicited mixed reactions across the length and breadth of the state.
Some of the Principals who described the Commissioners decision as a ploy to witch hint some of those who his Personal Assistant had reportedly penciled down to be replaced with those he has allegedly collected huge sums of money from said, “it is on record that all Principals sat for the necessary examinations before they were promoted to Grade Level 15. They also sat for examinations before they were appointed Principals. Besides, those on Grade Level 16, also sat for the necessary examinations before getting to the peak of their careers which is grade level 16.
Much as we know that computer knowledge is good and accept its introduction as a welcome development because it will help school administrators to perform optimally, regrettably, the course outlines that should be taken in at least one week, were insensitively covered in 3days. This, to all intents and purposes, negates quality teaching and learning process. To worsen the situation and the plight of the traumatized Principals, what was advertised as a 3-day Computer Appreciation workshop, was further reduced to a one-day training program. The timetable that was designed for the program, divided the 3 days among the 3 senatorial zones of Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu, each having one day instead of 3 days for each zone which we even said was not enough.”
“An unbiased person who takes a thorough and dispassionate look at the courses outlined in the memo issued to that effect will agree that it requires one month intensive hands on deck training or more to cover it.
The Commissioner also needs to explain why only one instructor was assigned to take between 150-200 participants making the class very rowdy and unconducive for effective teaching and learning. Hence, most of the participants found it difficult to hear the instructors properly. Funny enough, the 150-200 participants assigned to an instructor were compelled to make use of just one computer and a projector for such a sensitive program that, in Commissioner Ikegwuoha’s estimation, should or make or mar their careers.”
Continuing, “they said, the most annoying and worrisome aspect of the glaring aberration is that all the Principals, including those who had occupied the position for at least 6-8years, according to the Commissioner, have been removed from office and will be reappointed if they pass the examination that he set single and will also solely determine who passed and who failed without a streamlined and clarified process that should under normal circumstances guarantees transparency and fairness”.
“Will all agree that the computer training is a welcome development that should be embraced by all. But enough time should be given for such a program that is aimed at training and retraining school administrators to enable them to become fully abreast with computer knowledge.
However, issuing threats of sack and demotion on the basis of just a one day crash program is where the Honorable Commissioner got it wrong, except, there is a hidden agenda or an ulterior motive. This good policy that has the potential of casting his name on gold in the history of education in Imo State is being tarnished by the unnecessary and ill-motivated threat of sack and demotion which are ill-winds that will certainly blow no one good we suggest that the training be extended or continued, with computers provided for hands-on deck if indeed he has good intentions. Besides, the program and the attendant examinations will not take the Principals anywhere because they have reached the peak of their careers”.
A cross section of Imo people who commented on the development accused the former Commissioner of over-zealously playing to the gallery.”
They urged him to take it easy and stop fighting on all fronts to avoid demarketing Governor Hope Uzodinma’s 3R administration especially now that the 2027 election is drawing closer.
Some staff of the ministry of education who pleaded anonymity said, “the Commissioner should in his best interest take a critical look at the activities of his Personal Assistant , Mr Ebeka Emeka who is alleged to have collected money from many people who he promised to facilitate their emergence as Principals very soon or their transfer to schools of their choice. Hence, the trending speculations that the one-day crash Computer training, purported examination, the threat of sack and demotion are seen as opportunities for his aide and other interested persons to actualize their game plan and fulfil the promises they made to those who allegedly paid them money”.
