Taraba Probes Alleged NECO Biometric Fee Extortion in Schools

Taraba State government has launched an investigation into allegations that some secondary school principals are extorting students under the guise of NECO biometric registration fees, despite the state’s free and compulsory education policy.

The commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Augustina Godwin, ordered the probe following reports that students in some schools were compelled to pay unauthorised charges for biometric capture for the National Examinations Council (NECO).

The development came to light during the commissioner’s inspection visits to affected schools, including Government Science Secondary School and Government College, Jalingo, where she held one-on-one interactions with students and officials.

Dr Godwin described the allegations as “disturbing and unacceptable,” stressing that the ministry operates a zero-tolerance policy against any form of exploitation of students and parents under the free education programme of Governor Agbu Kefas.

She announced the formation of a seven-member committee, headed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Idris A. Goje, to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter.

According to her, the committee was mandated to verify the claims, identify those responsible, and recommend appropriate sanctions.

“The ministry will not condone any act that undermines the integrity of the free education system or imposes undue financial burden on students and parents.”

She warned that anyone found culpable during the investigation would face strict disciplinary action.

She assured that the panel would submit its report within a stipulated time frame, after which necessary measures would be taken.

Dr Godwin also urged parents, guardians, and other stakeholders to remain calm and support the investigation by reporting similar incidents through appropriate channels.

She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of students’ welfare across public schools in the state.