The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has called for an audit of enrolment figures used to determine allocations under the School Feeding Programme, following allegations that some head teachers inflate pupil numbers to secure higher funding.
President of the Association, Jacob Anaba, said the call follows concerns raised by the programme’s National Coordinator, Hajia Fati Forgor, that some head teachers allegedly inflate enrolment figures, leaving genuinely needy schools without adequate support.
Speaking to Citi News on Friday, September 25, Mr Anaba described the alleged practice as one that cheats the state and called for an investigation.
“If you have been given a position to deliver something to our kids, a critical one at that, and you are inflating the figures, it means that you are cheating the system, the state, and we shouldn’t allow that to pass. We will call for an audit to show that we can find out those who are doing that and bring them to book.”
He also urged authorities to ensure meals served under the programme are nutritious enough to support pupils’ concentration and learning in class.
“The food they give to our children in the school should be something that will nourish them, will give them the nourishment that they can be able to sustain in the classroom.”
