The Taraba State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, has urged students, parents, and school administrators to remain calm and patient as the state government concludes arrangements for the distribution of free school uniforms and instructional materials to public schools.

Her appeal, as observed by The Guardian, came in response to circulating rumours that ministry officials had taken back the educational materials displayed during the official flag-off ceremony and that the event was staged for political purposes.

Addressing journalists on Friday in Jalingo, Dr. Godwin described the allegations as “false and misleading,” stressing that the distribution will be conducted strictly according to established guidelines.

“The governor instructed the ministry to bring out the materials for a symbolic display during the flag-off. We selected 15 students from secondary schools and 15 pupils from primary schools. A total of 1,000 uniforms, 1,000 pairs of shoes, cartons of exercise books, iPads, and other materials were presented,” she said.

She explained that after the ceremony, the remaining items were returned to the ministry’s store to facilitate proper planning and ensure equitable distribution throughout the state.

Dr. Godwin further disclosed that the ministry has developed a clear template for the distribution process, which will commence as soon as final approval is received from the governor.

While commending Governor Agbu Kefas for his commitment to free and quality education, she called on parents and communities to support the initiative and cooperate with the government during the distribution exercise.

The state’s free education policy, launched earlier this year, according to her, is one of the current administration’s flagship programs aimed at increasing school enrollment and reducing the financial burden on parents.