Ogun sacks perm sec, five others for ‘offensive exam question’
FOR allegedly setting an examination question, which the Ogun State government considered not only “offensive” but also in bad faith, six officials of the State Ministry of Education have been sacked.
Those sacked were a Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Folashade Oresegun, three directors and the examiner, Mr. Adegbenro Joel.
Joel was said to have prepared an English Language question for the third term Unified Examination for Public Senior Secondary School students which took a critical look at alleged negligence of the education sector by the government.
However, the State Head of Service (HOS), Mrs. Modupe Adekunle defended the decision, saying due process was followed in the after the officers were found guilty.
The alleged offensive examination question (comprehension) read, “There is no arguing about the fact that the government is merely paying lip service to the development of education. It is true that a lot of money is being spent on the education sector but, with little or no impact felt by the people, except where we want to deceive ourselves.”
It continued, “Many schools 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 left with only one option, to withdraw their wards from these schools to other ones that are better managed.”
The students were expected to read the passage and answer questions put to them from it.
Though no particular government was mentioned, the state government was reported to have been angered by the way the examiner appeared to have indicted the government and ordered their sack.
Those who were affected were; an acting Permanent Secretary who was a level 17 officer, Folashade Oresegun and Director of Curriculum, Ganiu Odunsi.
The rest whose identity could not be immediately confirmed by The Guardian are a deputy director, curriculum and evaluation and two desk officers.
The Head of Service, Mrs. Adekunle reacting to the development yesterday told journalists that due process was followed, explaining that the action was taken after a panel set up to investigate the issue found the officers guilty.
Adekunle said, “I am aware that not all of them were dismissed, some had their appointments 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 the recommendations, the Civil Service Commission has to decide.
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1 Comments
What was the question? Is the question a secret? Please always try and let your readers know the source of any issue. Here we are only reading that people were sacked for setting an offensive question. The only question I see here is the truth!
We will review and take appropriate action.