The Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board has suspended two public school principals over alleged collection of illegal fees.

The Executive Chairman of the Board, Dr Fyneface Akah, said this while speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The state’s UBE board boss said the suspension takes immediate effect.

Dr Akah listed the schools as Community Secondary School, Rumahalu, and Community Secondary School, Okoronodu in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City Local Government Area respectively.

He stated, “Consequently, the principals or head teachers of Community Secondary School, Rumaholu, and Community Secondary School, Okoronodu, are hereby suspended from the original post with immediate effect.’

Akah directed all other principals and head teachers who have collected such illegal fees to refund to parents immediately or face the consequences of their actions.

He also warned officials of the Parents Teachers Association and school-based management committees against charging and collecting monies without the authorisation of the board.

He stated that parents and guardians should not be put under pressure to pay any illegal fees.

Akah, however, urged parents to provide their children and wards with necessary school uniforms and sandals, while emphasising that UBE schools remain free across the state.

He further said the state government was committed to providing a safe environment for teaching and learning, saying there is no going back on that.

(Punch)