FCT UBEB Boss Charges Principals on Professionalism, Discipline, Innovation

FCT UBEB Boss Charges Principals on Professionalism, Discipline, Innovation

By: Ossai Patience

The Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board Lady Florence Wenegieme, has called on principals of junior secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory to uphold professionalism, discipline, and innovation in the discharge of their duties.

Wenegieme made the call during the 2025/2026 third-term resumption meeting between principals and the Board’s management, where she commended school leaders for their cooperation and contributions to the improving performance of public schools in the FCT.

She emphasized the need for administrators to remain committed to excellence, noting that public confidence in government schools is growing due to visible improvements. The UBEB boss encouraged principals eligible for promotion to intensify their efforts both in school management and in preparation for promotion examinations, assuring that due process would be followed in addressing grievances related to promotion matters.

Highlighting the importance of proper communication channels, Wenegieme directed that all complaints must be formally routed through the Board to the Permanent Secretary of Education . She also stressed a strong maintenance culture in schools, urging principals to safeguard facilities to prevent deterioration.

On curriculum delivery, she advised schools to prioritize nine viable trade subjects—especially those that can leverage local resources—out of the 26 approved under the revised national curriculum. Addressing low enrollment in some Local Education Authorities (LEAs), she announced a forthcoming sensitization campaign, alongside incentives such as school bags, textbooks, and sandals for the first 100 newly enrolled pupils.

Wenegieme also reiterated the importance of cleanliness, safety, and accountability. She warned against taking students to external events without parental consent and prohibited the unauthorized rental of school facilities. Schools without sick bays were instructed to maintain functional first aid boxes, while efforts are ongoing to deploy paramedics to schools.

In a notable development, she revealed plans to convert the Karshi Model Smart School into a boarding facility to accommodate students from all six LEAs, aligning with her vision of promoting skill acquisition and nurturing job creators among students.

Also speaking, the Director of Junior Secondary Schools, Dr.Victor Orifa, urged principals to exercise leadership with influence and maintain strict control over school facilities. He reiterated that basic education remains free, while cautioning that Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levies must be approved and transparently utilized.

On security, Orifa encouraged collaboration with security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, under the Safe School Initiative. He also announced upcoming zonal training for principals and school administrators.

The Director of Quality Assurance, Emmanuel Shuaibu, disclosed that the Board received high ratings from the Universal Basic Education Commission, attributing the success to sustained standards across schools. He urged principals to establish internal monitoring systems and handle disciplinary issues proactively.

Similarly, the Director of Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Angela Nwachukwu, highlighted federal government policies promoting skill development, announcing plans for designated entrepreneurship centres and a ministerial competition.

In his remarks, the Director of Social Mobilization, Abubakar Evuti, stressed the importance of strengthening School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), describing them as critical platforms for community participation and access to intervention funds, including support from the Central Bank of Nigeria and international partners.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Jimoh Abiodun Sunday, who praised the Board’s leadership and reaffirmed principals’ commitment to implementing ongoing reforms aimed at improving school standards and student outcomes.