Nasarawa Education Commissioner Mandates Stricter School Supervision, Cautions Principals Over Delayed Staff Death Reports

Lafia, Nasarawa State— Dr. John D.W. Mamman, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Education, has issued a directive to secondary school principals across the state to intensify monitoring and supervision of teaching activities, while condemning delays in reporting staff deaths—a practice he labeled “unprofessional and unacceptable.”  

The Commissioner’s remarks came during a meeting on Wednesday with executives of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Nasarawa State chapter, led by its newly elected President, Mr. Aluko Williams. Dr. Mamman, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Malam Bala Sani, warned that principals withholding news of staff deaths for “five to six months” would face sanctions.  

“Such delays disrupt administrative processes, including pension settlements and replacements. This negligence ends today,” he stated, stressing that the Ministry will enforce stricter compliance and discipline erring officials.  

Dr. Mamman further urged principals to prioritize professionalism by adhering to official communication protocols and avoiding informal channels for reporting critical issues. He commended ANCOPSS for its partnership in advancing the state’s education goals, citing improved teacher recruitment and infrastructure as shared achievements.  

In his address, ANCOPSS President Mr. Aluko Williams lauded Dr. Mamman’s reappointment, calling it “a validation of transformative leadership.” He highlighted the Commissioner’s initiatives, including the recruitment of 3,000 teachers, full payment of NECO fees for final-year students, and resolution of WAEC reaccreditation challenges, as pivotal to reducing financial burdens on families and boosting academic performance.  

“Your policies have directly impacted classrooms and empowered educators. We urge you to sustain this momentum,” Williams said, pledging the group’s continued collaboration.  

The meeting concluded with ANCOPSS presenting an invitation to its upcoming state congress, where Governor Abdullahi Sule and Dr. Mamman will be honored for their contributions to education.