Towards enforcing its free education policy and tackling the challenge of out-of-school children in Ogun, the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration has emphasised its zero tolerance stance against any form of illegal levies collections in both public primary and secondary school levels in the state.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbabu, reiterated this during a meeting with the Headteachers General, HG, of the Four Divisions of Ogun State, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, ANCOPSS, and Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria, AOPSHON, in his office in Abeokuta on Monday.
Arigbabu affirmed that any principal, headteacher or teacher caught in such act would be sanctioned heavily.
The commissioner hinted that the ministry had issued a circular to intimate the school administrators on this development, which also included putting an end to exorbitant graduation ceremonies in schools, saying the present administration was committed to providing free qualitative and accessible education to citizens, hence, the reason for the free education policy.
“We wouldn’t want anybody to embarrass the government by charging illegal fees, we have outlawed graduation ceremonies in all our primary and secondary schools. As much as possible, as we don’t want any financial burden on our children and parents.
“If any principal or headteacher is found guilty of kicking against this free education policy, such a person will be sanctioned,” the commissioner warned.
Speaking on behalf of others, Headteacher General, Ijebu Bloc, Mr. Benjamin Alonge, enjoined his colleagues to refrain from every embarrassing act and rather strictly adhere to government policies, assuring of their continuous support for the government in the campaign against collection of illegal fees in schools.
In their separate remarks, the President ANCOPPS, Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Alaba Olugbewesa, and Chairman, AOPSHON, Ogun State Chapter, Tajudeen Adeosun, commended the Abiodun administration for all its transformative initiatives that had repositioned not only the schools, but the entire education sector.
