Some Concerned Stakeholders of the American International School of Abuja (AISA) have asked for immediate dissolution of the school’s Board to avert further damage on its reputation.
It would be recalled that AISA was dragged for allegedly accepting a 10-year advance tuition payment from a former Governor.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission-EFCC- which is prosecuting the former governor claimed that in 2021, he paid the money to the school in dollars and noted that it had demanded for and got a refund from AISA.
However, the Concerned Stakeholders noted that issues surrounding the advance tuition payment and the media hype it generated have done substantial damage to the school’s image such that allowing those responsible to carry on as if nothing happened would be more damaging.
Speaking to our correspondent, the concerned stakeholders said the call for sacking of the school’s 7-man Board was informed by the fact that it approved the payment of the 10-year advance payment in contravention of the college’s existing policy that allows for not more than 2 years.
They said although the Head of School was the first to be approached with the proposal for 10-year fee payment, he referred it to the Board for further directive but in defiance to the school’s policy, the Board approved the proposal, accepted the payment.
“It is pertinent to note that the undertaking by the Board, the Head of School and the politician was in clear breach of the school’s finance policy and national financial laws.
The Stakeholders said even though the school refunded a substantial part of the fund to the EFCC, such a gesture does erase the fact that the institution breached its finance policy and national financial laws.
”The media storm and public outcry that followed, threw up a lot of questions that no one has really answered and as the hype fizzled out, we are sincerely seeking for answers so we can reclaim the integrity and reputation of the school”.
While lamenting that the Board remained unperturbed by its action which contravened the school’s Finance policy and national financial laws, the parents said their actions has engendered a thinking among most Nigerians that no one can be held accountable in the school.
“The current Board of governors may claim or feign ignorance of the approval and agreement between the school and the politician and when the school’s finance policy infraction occurred.
“However, there were three board members sitting on the board that granted the approval and acceptance of the funds, that are currently sitting on the present board of governors and they as a collective should be held responsible for the damage done to the integrity and reputation of the school”
The Concerned stakeholders observed that several appeals had been made to both the Trustees and the Board to guard against policy infractions because of its dire consequences yet the two arms failed to heed to words of reason.
According to them, appeals to the two organs were not listened to as promises of addressing issues raised were never backed with action suggesting that the Board is accustomed to policy infractions which is often overlooked by the Trustees.
They observed that if the Board’s infractions are not addressed, such will further damage the integrity and reputation of the school.
This is just some parents have called for the resignation of two Board members, including the Chair of the Governance Committee.
In a letter addressed to the Board of the school, the parents (name withheld), said advance payment on tuition and fees which exceed 2 academic years is a violation of AISA financial policy
They said failure to comply with any provisions in the financial policy shall constitute an offense liable to repremand not limited to termination of appointment”.
“Further more the constitution entrusts responsibility for financial decisions with significant fiduciary risk to the board. Thus, by approving and accepting ten years of school fees in advance, the school is in violation of both its own rules and national economic and financial laws.
“We cannot be complacent in the face of open and tangible violations in our own Code of conduct and national finacial laws. The deliberate campaign against those who question the status quo of governance in AISA compromises our understanding of AISA values.
“It is necessary that as an American international school, we uphold the values of unity, transparency, integrity and justice that are fundamental to what our respectable institution stands for.
“We chose to enroll our children at the American School of Abuja because we believe in the principles it represents. Our decision to join AISA was not arbitrary; it was a deliberate choice based on the values of inclusivity, diversity, transparency, accountability and respect for individual rights that are ingrained in the American educational system.
“All is not well at AISA and we strongly recommend a change in key pillars of its governance structure,” they added.
According to them, the current structure and make-up of the Board unfortunately will only serve to perpetuate the underlying challenges and status quo that have led our school this unfortunate state of affairs.
Meanwhile, a competent source told our correspondent that the school is preparing to conduct elections to fill some vacancies on the Board.
When LEADERSHIP visited the school located at plot 346, Cadastral, Durumi, Abuja, an attempt to gain entry to meet with the authorities was denied by the security personnel, despite stating the reason for the visit.
Our reporter was informed by the security personnel stationed at the entrance that access would not be granted for unofficial appointments.
Despite explaining the purpose of the visit and providing identification, the security personnel maintained their stance and refused to allow our correspondent entry.
“If you are not on official appointment, you can’t be allowed in. You need to write officially,” the security man said.