ARROWHEAD

“Ladies and gentlemen, with a standing ovation, let's welcome the chairman, board of Governor Jason International Academy, Professor Gabriel” a fair slim lady said with an accent marauding her melodious voice. Immediately, the staff numbering about twenty-two stood up clapping till a man of an average height, with a well-trimmed grey moustache walked majestically to the podium. He dressed in a well-adorned agbada, his traditional cap situated majestically too on his head, thus, making his forehead appear diminutive. It was a usual meeting held for all the staff before full academic activities resumed for the term. Before he spoke, a tall chubby woman walked up to him and whispered to his ears and went back to her seat. The man nodded in response to what she told him. “Ladies and Gentlemen” the man began. “On behalf of my wife and children, I bring you all greetings”, before he continued, he adjusted his cap that was gradually falling off. “Jason's academy” he continued “as most of you are aware, is a great citadel of learning borne out of my desire for a high standard of education with regards to upholding our moral values and discipline which our country is bereft of.” His eyes staring at his audience, he continued his speech, extolling the achievements the school had recorded for the past three years of its birth. “I want to thank you, my staff, for working together to ensure that this vision becomes a reality, without you, these giant strides wouldn't have been recorded”. As a professor of Agro economics, giving a speech on an occasion such as this was never challenging. In less than fifteen minutes, he was done with his speech. Before then, he informed them that he had employed a new school principal who would manage the affairs of the school henceforth. “We are all aware of the plights of the former principal, so we have decided to put him aside and get a new one” he said looking at the man sitting behind the podium. “Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome Dr. Patrick” he said. The man stood up and waved to other staff who were clapping unendingly. “Come forward” as he invites Dr Patrick to the podium. “It's with great joy that I stand before you this afternoon as your new principal, I have been in this industry for over ten years, and with my wealth of experiences, skills and credibility, I know I will be able to achieve the vision of Jason's academy” he said as Prof Gabriel nodded in affirmation. In a short time, he concluded his speech by urging other staff members to abide by the code of conduct of the organization. As he ended his speech, a round of applause accompanied it and not long after, the meeting came to a close.

The following week, full academic activities resumed and all staff were urged to live up to expectations and do their duties diligently. The new principal had forewarned all staff to take their work seriously and that anyone who's found wanting shall face the consequences. Mr. Patrick on several occasions has been a latecomer to school. His lateness to work most times was never noticed because the gate man who is in charge of the time book would sometimes cover him up. No one knew what led to the sack of the former principal however, rumours going around have it that he allowed lots of indiscipline attitudes among staff. As a result of this, so many parents withdrew their children from the school. Issues like examination malpractices and lateness to school by both the students and the staff were rampant and other nefarious attitudes yet no one was reported. According to Cecilia, the health education teacher, “When Professor Gabriel heard about it, he was displeased and decided to sack him”

Entrance examination into the senior school was approaching and all the Junior students involved were adequately sensitized to the need for students to take their studies seriously.

It was the third day of the examination and as usual, the candidates were well situated and arranged in line with the examination code of conduct. The external examiner walked into the hall with a bag containing examination paraphernalia and immediately, the examination began. “Your time starts now,” the examiner said as he gazed through her wristwatch. Few of the students began to write while others were just watching and waiting for help. “Excuse me ma'am”, one of the staff said to the examiner who was at the centre of the hall doing her job. “The principal wants to see you”
“Okay,” he responded as both of them walked out of the hall.
“We have something for you” the principal handed a brown envelope to her. “Thank you,” she said “What is this”? she asked, looking confused.
“It's our appreciation for the good job you do,” he said, handing over the envelope to her. The examiner paused for a moment. Then she exploded “I'm sorry, I can't do this, I won't allow examination malpractice to happen under my watch”. She shifted backwards and continued “Everyone knows that examination malpractice is evil and has affected the standard of education in our society yet your school is into it”
“It's not like that ma'am, we're only trying to help the children to have a good result,” he said, already regretting his actions.
“Since your school is doing this, the president must hear about this”
“It has not got to that extent ma'am” the principal begged. When he realized that the woman was not backing out, he had no option but to leave for his office.

“Get ready to submit your papers”, she said as she went back into the hall. The students were all disappointed as no one was able to indulge in examination malpractice.

A week later, the principal was summoned by the state Ministry of Education for questioning.

(The photo is mine)

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