Imo Assembly Summons Unity School Principal Over Cut-off Mark

Imo State House of Assembly has summoned the principal of the Federal Government Girls College, Owerri, (FGGC), Mrs Chinwe Obiagwu, over alleged unjustifiable admission cut-off marks.

The House of Assembly took the decision following a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Isu state constituency Mrs Ngozi Obiefule (APC).

While moving the motion, Mrs Obiefule stressed that the principal of the college had increased the approved cut off marks for admission into the school from 138 to 175. She said all unity colleges had approved cut-off marks during the last common entrance examinations which were displayed on their portals.

The lawmaker said several students who would have gained admission into the school had been affected by the new cut-off marks implemented by the principal. Obiefule also stated that some parents alleged that they had been asked to pay as much as N300,000 to secure admission for their children who were affected.

She urged the House to investigate the allegation and summon the principal to appear before the Assembly, so as to explain the reason behind the new cut off mark. Obiefule urged the House to invite parents whose children scored above the initial cut-off marks to brief the Assembly.

In her contribution, the House Committee Chairman on Education, Hon Uju Onwudiwe (APC-Njaba) stressed that the performance of students in the examination served as a benchmark for setting the cut-off marks. She explained that schools had a limit to the number of students they could admit and as such, might need to increase the cut-off mark if their limit was exceeded.
She noted that the standing committee on education had been working hard to ensure every form of illegality is eradicated in schools. Consequent upon the unanimous vote in favour of the prayers by the lawmakers, the speaker, Hon Kennedy Ibeh (APC-Obowo), directed the clerk, Mrs Chinelo Emeghara, to send out the necessary invitations to those concerned to appear before the Assembly.