The principal of Otovwodo Grammar School, Ughelli in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, has denied the allegations of expelling a JSS2 student who is said to be pregnant by a teacher in the school.
Addressing newsmen over the allegations, the Principal, Dr. Onovughe Felix said, “Contrary to the fact that the student who was said to be pregnant to one our teacher was expelled and the issue was swept under the carpet is not true as reported in some dailies.
It would be recalled that a teacher, simply identified as Mr Christian Oruonayeri allegedly impregnated a JSS2 female student names withheld and he was arrested.
His arrest was confirmed by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe who said
Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, who said “The two families concerned chose to withdraw the case from the police with a sworn affidavit.”
Dr Onovughe Felix flanked by the member representing Delta Central at Post Primary Education Board, Hon. Venture Oyiborhoro, HPM PPEB, Mr Izu and Ughelli North NUT Chairman, Comrade Austin Ovuevuraye, held that the relevant agencies were notified and the student was not expelled.
He said, “When the issue of the pregnancy came up, I made sure I followed the due process by writing to the Zonal Board, Post Primary Education Board through the Permanent Secretary and Zonal Director to inform them.
“I also wrote to the Ministry of Basic and secondary education, the C.I.E to inform them of the issue of pregnancy that was reported and the arrest of the teacher that was made.
“The matter was not swept under the carpet as it was alleged in the publication because I did the needful by notifying all relevant authorities that are concerned.
“The girl was not expelled from the community school but she absconded and till now we are looking for her.
“Our zonal Director, mandated us to bring girl back to the school and if there is any issue we should hear from her, we were able to trace and locate her house and when we got there, she was not around.
“She absconded from the school and as I am speaking with you, we are looking for her. She was was never expelled from school” Onovughe started.
He also denied part of the allegations that his school registered only 40 for the Junior Secondary Certificate Exam, JSCE, out of the 100 that was paid for by Delta born philanthropist.
He disclosed that, Actually 100 students were enrolled by a philanthropist and and we enrolled the 100 and not 40 students, aside that, no other enrollment money was collected from them again.
“But aside the enrollment, there are other levies like PTA that is approved by the government, PTA levy, Inter-House, online recharge card for checking of results, are the ones they paid for.”
