The Ogun State government has issued a strong warning to administrators and teachers of public schools to desist from collecting unauthorized fees, stating that anyone found guilty will face sanctions.
The State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, gave the warning during a meeting with the executive committee of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Ogun State Chapter, held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Arigbabu emphasized that collecting fees for dossiers, compelling students to pay for after-school lessons, enforcing Parents Teachers Association (PTA) levies, or mandating the purchase of sportswear for inter-house sports violates the free education policy of the current administration.
He reaffirmed that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s free education policy aims to ensure inclusiveness by making education accessible to all school-age children in the state. He further advised schools interested in hosting inter-house sports competitions to seek funding from external sources, such as old students’ associations, rather than imposing fees on students.
The commissioner also highlighted the government’s progress in reducing examination malpracticethrough ICT-driven initiatives and announced the approval of 20,000 chairs and tables for public schools, with the first phase of 10,000 units set for distribution soon.
“You can imagine that many states are coming to understudy what we are doing here. Even the Federal Government has requested that we share our model for managing schools. This is a big plus for Ogun State,” Arigbabu stated.
Responding on behalf of the principals, the President of ANCOPSS, Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Edward Adekoya, commended Governor Abiodun for his dedication to the state’s overall development. He acknowledged that running costs for schools were being provided as and when due.
Adekoya also praised the commissioner’s leadership in transforming the education system and assured the government of the principals’ and teachers’ continued cooperation. He further urged the government to sanction any teacher or school administrator found violating these directives.