Following the directive by the Permanent Secretary of the FCT, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa that an inquiry into the alleged abuse of a pupil of the FCT School for the Deaf, Kuje, a medical team of 4 doctors from the Health and Human Services Secretariat was sent to the school to begin the investigation.

Present at the school was also the management committee of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board as well senior members of staff of the Federal Ministry of Education led by the Permanent Secretary Arc. Sonny Echono. The team took a tour of the school, by the hostels, sick bay, dining hall and kitchen. They also interacted with the school nurse and guidance councillor where relevant questions were asked. With the consent of their parents who were present, the doctors began carrying out medical examinations on some of the pupils.

In his remarks, Arc. Sonny Echono said that investigation into the matter was now at the final stage and that members of the public will be properly briefed on the outcome. He emphasised that there was no attempt at any cover-up and called on parents who had at any time in the school’s history lost a child to come forward with a report.

In his remarks the Executive Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Kabir Matazu thanked the Federal Ministry of Education for embarking on its independent investigation. According to him, the school has been in existence for about 29 years and no such complaints have ever been made against the school.

Also speaking, the PTA chairman of the school, Mr Vincent Yerima said that he has been a parent in the school for 5 years and had not witnessed nor received any complaint of child molestation by any parent.

Anthony Ogunleye
Assistant Director (Information)
FCT Education Secretariat
05/02/2019