The Jigawa State Government has taken firm action against corruption in its feeding programme, dismissing several contractors and kitchen staff accused of cheating the system and shortchanging students and patients.
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The Commissioner for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Auwalu D. Sankara, stated this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday.
He said the crackdown followed surprise visits to schools and health facilities in Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, and Yankwashi Local Government Areas.
According to him, “In some schools, the number of students being reported was far higher than those actually present.
“A Government Junior Secondary School, Karkarna in Yankwashi, only 123 students were seen, despite records claiming 257.
“Similar gaps were discovered in other locations, raising concerns that funds meant to feed children were being diverted.”
There were also complaints about the quality of food. Inspectors found that some contractors supplied poor rice and failed to provide meals that met the expected standard.
Following the findings, the ministry dismissed four kitchen masters for allegedly falsifying figures. Two contractors were also removed for supplying substandard food, while another at Gwiwa Hospital was dismissed for skipping meals and failing to meet required standards.
Meanwhile, two school officials are under investigation for allegedly working together to manipulate records at the Computer Girls Science Secondary School in Roni.
Sankara said the Jigawa State government would not tolerate any act that denies students and patients their rights.
He assured residents that the Jigawa State government will continue with unannounced inspections to ensure the programme serves its intended purpose.
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