By Charles Pemu A group of enraged final-year students of Gyutiev Model College in Benue State have set fire to the principal’s residence, following allegations that he failed to register them for the National Examination Council (NECO) exams after collecting ₦85,000 from each student.
The incident, which occurred earlier this week, sent shockwaves through the community as angry students reportedly took matters into their own hands after discovering they had not been registered for the crucial national exam—despite paying the required fees months in advance.
Eyewitnesses say the students, upon confirming their names were not on the NECO registration list, stormed the principal’s home and set it ablaze in a violent outburst of frustration. The property was reportedly gutted by fire before emergency responders could arrive.
Although no lives were lost in the incident, community members have condemned the act of arson, urging the authorities to investigate both the alleged fraud and the students’ violent response.
The Benue State Police Command is said to be investigating the matter. Preliminary reports suggest that the principal, whose whereabouts remain unknown, may have absconded following the students’ discovery.
Local education officials have also weighed in, describing the event as tragic and avoidable. They stressed the need for transparency and accountability in school administration, while also condemning the destruction of property as an unlawful act.
The NECO exam, a critical requirement for secondary school graduation in Nigeria, represents a major milestone for students. Many of the affected students now fear they may have lost their opportunity to write this year’s examination, jeopardizing their academic progress.
As investigations continue, calls are growing for both justice and reform in how school exam fees and registration processes are managed in private and public institutions alike.