Drama Looms As Adamawa Govt Investigates Diversion Of Schoolbags Meant For Free Distribution

Daily Post reports that the government of Adamawa State has expressed dismay over the diversion of school bags meant for free distribution.

It first came to public knowledge in October that bags and some other school materials donated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) had been diverted to personal ends.

Later in the month, on October 19, five people who included an education secretary and an official of UNICEF were arraigned in court and accused of diverting 800 school bags.

The Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB) addressed newsmen Wednesday in the matter, saying the state was embarrassed by the development.

Chairman of the Board, Dr Salihi Ateequ, said during the news briefing at his office in Yola, that a 10-member committee had been set up to investigate those already identified for the crime and to unearth others who may be involved.

“It is with a heavy heart and utter dismay that we note the diversion of bags and some other school materials meant to be freely donated to children in need.”

“We are resolved to get to the root of this and to take action that will ensure that this never happens again,” Ateequ said.

He said the investigative committee is composed of some directors of ADSUBEB and the mother Ministry of Education, and members of the state branch of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).